Prediction of depressive symptomatology after treatment of head and neck cancer: the influence of pre-treatment physical and depressive symptoms, coping, and social support.
BACKGROUND
Head and neck cancer and its treatment can have important psychosocial implications, and many patients become depressed. The aim of this prospective study is to examine whether pretreatment variables can be used to predict depression 6 and 12 months later.


METHODS
Head and neck cancer patients (155) treated with surgery and/or radiotherapy completed a questionnaire including items on social support, coping, depressive symptoms, physical functioning, and physical symptoms before and after treatment.


RESULTS
By using 5 variables (physical symptoms, depressive symptoms, emotional support, extent of the social network, and avoidance coping), it was possible to predict those patients who would have symptoms at 6 (81%) and 12 months (67%) after treatment. Inclusion of actual physical symptoms reported at follow-up increased these percentages to 89% and 82%.


CONCLUSIONS
It is concluded that screening for psychosocial variables and physical symptoms before treatment can be used to determine which patients are at risk of developing depressive symptoms after treatment.
de Leeuw
J R
JR
Research Group Psychology of Health and Illness, Faculty of Medicine, University Medical Center, P.O. Box 80036, 3508 TA, Utrecht, The Netherlands.
de Graeff
A
A
Ros
W J
WJ
Blijham
G H
GH
Hordijk
G J
GJ
Winnubst
J A
JA
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015897:Comorbidity; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D005260:Female; D006258:Head and Neck Neoplasms / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology* / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D015999:Multivariate Analysis; D011184:Postoperative Period; D011237:Predictive Value of Tests; D011300:Preoperative Care; D015995:Prevalence; D011446:Prospective Studies; D012044:Regression Analysis; D012307:Risk Factors; D012944:Social Support; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires