Anxious and depressive symptoms in the French Asbestos-Related Diseases Cohort: risk factors and self-perception of risk

Abstract

The results obtained in this large study confirm that previously asbestos-exposed subjects are likely to develop anxious and depressive symptoms. Finally, implications related to the prevention of anxiety and depression among asbestos-exposed workers is discussed.

The psychological distress and care needs of mesothelioma patients and asbestos‐exposed subjects: A systematic review of published studies

“…This includes three clinical trials, one case‐control study, and two cross‐sectional studies . Among papers that focus on exposed subjects, eight are quantitative in nature, one is an exposed vs non exposed study, two are nested studies, and five are cross‐sectional studies . Psychological interventions have been analyzed in three studies, and one study focused on exposed subjects .…”

“…Some of the reviewed studies focused on aspects related to anxiety and depression. These phenomena were evaluated through the administration of the Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAS), the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES‐D), the Distress Thermometer (DT), the Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), and the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) . Other studies, meanwhile, investigated the consequences of trauma by using the Self‐evaluation scale of life events (Echelle d′auto évaluation des événements de vie—EAEE), the Trauma Symptom Inventory (TSI), the Impact of Events Scale (IES), the Revised PTSD Inventory” (R‐PTSD), the Lung Cancer Module (QLQ‐LC13), the Acceptance of Illness Scale (AOI), and the Lung Cancer Symptom Scale (LCSS) .…”

“…Most of the selected studies investigated the psychological impact of occupational asbestos exposure, many of which reported that both asbestos‐exposed and non‐exposed subjects can develop anxiety and depressive symptoms, even in the absence of pathology . A study in particular highlights that gender, age were significantly related to depression, stress, and acceptance of illness .…”

“…Recent research has focused on the role of occupational context in shaping individual responses to a mesothelioma diagnosis and/or asbestos exposure. Indeed, some studies have found that it is the main factor related to individual psychological distress . The fear of an “aerial contagion” by an “invisible killer” is often related to feelings of anger toward the employer who made it possible …”

“…Physical symptoms are generally very intense and debilitating for MM patients, including chest pain, breathlessness, and fatigue . Moreover, the severity of these medical conditions—together with the awareness of the occupational and “unnatural” origins of the disease have been linked to psychological distress among MM patients, as well as workers who have been exposed to asbestos in the workplace …”