An analysis of the psychometric profile and frequency of anxiety and depression in Australian men with prostate cancer.
Zung's Self-Rating Anxiety Scale and Self-Rating Depression Scale were used to collect data from 195 Australian men who had received a diagnosis of prostate cancer. Analysis was via separate scales and also by combining both scales into a single unit to assess anxiety-depression and then analysing the underlying component structure of that unit. Applying Zung's recommended cutoff scores, 12% of the sample were classified as having clinically significant levels of anxiety and 16% had similar levels of depression. Factor analysis of the combined SAS and SDS indicated four major components which reflected a process of: loss of functional capacity, worthlessness and hopelessness, fear and somatic symptomatology. Implications for the effective assessment and treatment of anxiety and depression in prostate patients are discussed.
Sharpley
Christopher F
CF
East Coast Cancer Centre, John Flynn Hospital, Gold Coast, Australia. csharpley@onthenet.com.au
Christie
David R H
DR
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005869:Ghana; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D010555:Personality Inventory / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D011471:Prostatic Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology* / Q000628:therapy; D011594:Psychometrics; D012649:Self Concept; D012803:Sick Role; D013001:Somatoform Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology