Cognitive-behavioral interventions to manage depression in patients with cancer: research and theoretical initiatives

Abstract

The incidence of depression is rising worldwide, possibly due to urban crowding and insufficient resources. This pandemic raises the possibility that disabling depression among patients with cancer will increase. Already, about one-third of patients with cancer present with depression. Although many progressive cancer centers are instituting psychooncology services, the projected decline in numbers of psychiatrists in the coming decade suggests that these programs may flounder unless nurses are able to provide adjuvant support. Consequently, this article describes the theoretical and emerging research data base regarding the treatment of cancer-related depression with cognitive-behavioral therapy. Implications drawn from this review suggest that nurses can take an active role in preventing and managing cancer-related depression in direct care environments by developing critical pathways for screening, prevention, treatment, and outcomes assessment using theory-based research.

Evaluating depression in a sample of children and adolescents with cancer in Greece

“…It is caused by the loss of the sense of normality owing to the disease and the side effects of the long-term treatment. Depression in children with cancer is often expressed as a feeling of sorrow and less often as anorexia and decrease in the mood for activities (Cavusoglu 2001;Lovejoy & Matteis 1997;Von Essen et al 2000).…”

Satisfaction, utilisation and perceived benefit of individual psychosocial support for breast cancer patients—A randomised study of nurse versus psychologist interventions

“…scores to indicate cases of low (= 8), medium (9)(10)(11)(12)(13)(14)(15)(16)(17)(18)(19) and high (!20) levels of distress have been recommended.…”

“…Maguire [12] has suggested that nurses should be educated in techniques to relieve psychosocial problems. According to Lovejoy and Matteis [13], nurses trained in cognitive-behavioural skills should take an active role in preventing and managing cancer-related depression.…”

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in Cancer Patients

“…[35] BDT'nin davranışsal yönü hayattan alınan tadı ve memnuniyeti artırmak amacıyla gerçekçi hedefler belirleme ve günlük aktiviteleri planlamaya odaklanmıştır. [36] Davranış teknikleri çoğu hasta tarafından kullanılabilir ve genellikle kısa sürede rahatlama sağlar. Teknikler arasında, doktor için soru listesi oluşturma, hedefleri belirleme, etkinwww.cappsy.org lik planlama, rahatlama teknikleri ve günlük kullanarak faaliyet planlama vardır.…”