Differences in depressive thoughts between major depressive disorder, IFN-alpha-induced depression, and depressive disorders among cancer patients.
OBJECTIVE
The objective of this study is to test the hypothesis that there are differences in the distribution of negative thoughts among major depressive disorders (MDD), depressive disorders among cancer patients, and IFN-alpha-induced depression.


METHODS
Twenty-three patients affected by MDD, 25 cancer patients affected by depressive disorders (20 MDD), and 19 patients affected by IFN-alpha-induced depression satisfying MDD criteria were evaluated using the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale and the 13-item Beck Depression Inventory.


RESULTS
Sense of guilt was higher among MDD patients (56.5%) and was lower among cancer patients (4%) (P<.0001). Sense of failure, dissatisfaction, and self-dislike were higher among MDD patients than among IFN-alpha patients (P<.0001).


CONCLUSIONS
In our study, patients affected by MDD present a different pattern of symptoms in comparison with patients affected by IFN-alpha-induced depression and depressive disorders. In particular, core depressive thoughts were less frequent in the last two conditions.
Pasquini
Massimo
M
Department of Psychiatric Science and Psychological Medicine, SAPIENZA University of Rome, Rome, Italy. massimo.pasquini@uniroma1.it
Speca
Azzurra
A
Mastroeni
Simona
S
Delle Chiaie
Roberto
R
Sternberg
Cora N
CN
Biondi
Massimo
M
D000328:Adult; D003469:Culture; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007155:Immunologic Factors / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016898:Interferon-alpha / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009042:Motivation; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology*; D010555:Personality Inventory / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011594:Psychometrics; D013850:Thinking / Q000187:drug effects
D007155:Immunologic Factors; D016898:Interferon-alpha