title: Assessment of Anxiety and Depression Status in Turkish Cutaneous Melanoma Patients
abstract: Background: Even though anxiety and depression are two mood disorders encountered commonly in cancer patients
  only few trials have been carried out so far in melanoma patients. The aim of the study was to determine the clinical
  prevalence of these disorders in Turkish cutaneous melanoma patients and to clarify possible clinicopathological factors
  influencing them. Material and methods: A total of 100 consecutive outpatient melanoma patients were enrolled and
  asked to complete the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) questionnaire immediately after scheduled visits.
  Results: A total of 24 participants had clinical anxiety and 8 were diagnosed with borderline anxiety. Fifteen were
  diagnosed with clinical depression and 20 with borderline depression. Prior to melanoma diagnosis the majority of the
  patients, 93 and 86, were assessed as normal in terms of their anxiety and depression status, respectively (p<0.001).
  A statistically significant correlation was found between anxiety and depression scores (p<0.001). The patients with
  advanced disease were significantly more anxious and depressive than those with early stage disease. None of the other
  socio-demographic parameters was found to be correlated with anxiety and depression status. Conclusions: Because
  a large group of Turkish melanoma patients, nearly one third of the cohort, was found to be suffering from relevant
  anxiety and depression, it is of uttermost importance that psychological support and pharmacological intervention for
  these patients be commenced as soon as possible.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Oncology, Istanbul University, Istanbul, Turkey. Email: faruktas2002@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Faruk
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Tas
authors.forename: Senem
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Karabulut
authors.forename: Hulya
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Guveli
authors.forename: Sidika
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Kurul
authors.forename: Kayhan
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Erturk
authors.forename: Murat
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Guveli
authors.forename: Hasibe
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Kinik
keywords: Anxiety; depression; melanoma; prevalence; Turkish