Putting evidence into practice: interventions for depression.
Depression and depressive symptoms are prevalent in people with cancer, yet interventions for depression are a low priority for most oncology care providers. Barriers to diagnosis and treatment include beliefs by patients and providers that depression is an expected correlate of cancer diagnosis, the reluctance of patients to share psychological concerns, and the reticence of some professionals to assess patients with cancer for depressive symptoms in the midst of busy oncology settings. Intervening to diminish depressive symptoms in people with cancer is important because depression has been associated with poorer quality of life, recovery, and possibly survival. This article reviews and summarizes the evidence for pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic interventions for people with cancer and depression and identifies opportunities for future research and practice change.
Fulcher
Caryl D
CD
Department of Advanced Clinical Practice, Duke University Health System, Durham, NC, USA. caryl.fulcher@duke.edu
Badger
Terry
T
Gunter
Ashley K
AK
Marrs
Joyce A
JA
Reese
Jill M
JM
D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D000529:Complementary Therapies; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D019317:Evidence-Based Medicine / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D008403:Mass Screening; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications* / Q000523:psychology; D024802:Nurse's Role; D009730:Nursing Assessment; D015403:Nursing Evaluation Research / Q000458:organization & administration*; D009859:Oncology Nursing / Q000458:organization & administration*; D010353:Patient Education as Topic; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D015995:Prevalence; D012657:Self-Help Groups; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000928:Antidepressive Agents