title: [Introduction of the demoralization scale in Hungary, a study on demoralization and depression among hospice patients].
abstract: Depression is a common problem among hospice patients. In the past few years, the international literature has dealt with demoralization, which is a new phenomenon. According to clinical studies, it give a better description of the patients' state in palliative care than depression. In Hungary there has been no research performed on demoralization yet.
  
  
  OBJECTIVE
  The aim of the authors was to introduce the demoralization scale in Hungary, learn about its practical use, as well as to study and compare demoralization and depression.
  
  
  METHODS
  The Hungarian translation of the demoralization scale and the short form of the Beck depression inventory were applied in the institutional and home hospice service in Pécs.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The rate of the patients with severe demoralization but no depression was 10.5-21%. According to the severity of the demoralization, the rate of severely demoralized patients was 37-53%. Patients who suffered from pain or severe physical problems were significantly more demoralized and depressed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  In hospice patients, demoralization occurs in a higher rate than depression. The demoralization scale is suitable for describing patients' feelings and thoughts. The relief of their physical symptoms affects their emotional state. The authors introduced the demoralization scale in Hungary which can be a good tool for psychological management in palliative care.
authors.affiliation: Pécsi Tudományegyetem, Általános Orvostudományi Kar, Családorvostani Intézet, Pécs. handwalker8@gmail.com
authors.forename: Zsolt
authors.initials: Z
authors.lastname: Hadnagy
authors.forename: Agnes
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Csikós
authors.forename: Lajos
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Nagy
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003863:Depression / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D005260:Female; D017051:Hospice Care / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D006814:Hungary / Q000453:epidemiology; D007802:Language; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009013:Morale; D010146:Pain / Q000150:complications; D010166:Palliative Care / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012720:Severity of Illness Index; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology* / Q000517:prevention & control; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D019452:Terminally Ill / Q000523:psychology* / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D014177:Translations