Psychiatric Disorders in Cancer Patients at a University Hospital in Japan: Descriptive Analysis of 765 Psychiatric Referrals

Abstract

Objective: In cancer patients, adjustment disorders, delirium and depression have been identified as common psychiatric disorders. Although a comparable result was reported in the National Cancer Center in Japan, the nature of patients in that hospital may differ from that in local hospitals. There is a possibility to expand the findings of psycho-oncology by evaluation of the data from a local university hospital and comparison with the National Cancer Center data. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of cancer patients who were referred to the Department of Psycho-Oncology at Saitama Medical University International Medical Center. We identified their characteristics and psychiatric diagnoses and compared these with the National Cancer Center data. Results: During the study period, 765 cancer patients were referred. The numbers of inpatients and outpatients were almost the same. The most common psychiatric diagnosis was adjustment disorders (24%), followed by delirium (16%) and then major depressive disorder (12%). The rank of these three was the same as that at the National Cancer Center. Outpatients constituted more than 80% of the patients with major depressive disorder. The proportion of cancer patients with schizophrenia in this study (4.3%) was higher than that in the National Cancer Center (1.6%). Conclusions: This study revealed basic information about the consultation data of cancer patients at a local university hospital in Japan. The importance of communication with outpatients was suggested. It seems that cancer treatment for patients with schizophrenia in a local hospital is also important.

Psychological defense mechanisms among individuals with SCI with adjustment disorder

“…Previously, Despland et al 17 showed that AJD can be found among 5-20% of outpatients whereas it is estimated that more than 20% of inpatients have AJD. 16 According to our investigation, although people with SCI are considered as outpatients, the prevalence of AJD in SCI population is closer to estimations among inpatients. There are limited studies estimating the prevalence of AJD in Iran.…”

“…13 Although adjustment disorders impair the integrity of individuals occupational functioning, it is considered to be a minor diagnosis. 14,15 However, the high prevalence of AJD among hospital inpatients (over 20%) 16 and adults outpatients (5-20%), 17 insists on the importance of further investigations on AJD.…”

Twelve-Month Prevalence of Psychiatric Morbidity in Cancer Patients in a Nigerian Oncology Centre

“…In this study, psychological distress was reported in 63.8% and psychosocial distress in 60.8%. This is not unexpected, given that upon receiving the diagnosis of cancer, a wide range of emotional distress develops along the cancer journey, ranging from mild psychological distress to diagnosable DSM V disorder [6][7][8][9]. The prevalence of psychological distress (GHQ score > 2) and psychosocial distress (DT score > 3) reported herein are much higher than those reported from previous studies from more developed countries.…”

Colorectal Cancer in the Elderly

“…Depressive symptoms can occur in 15-50% while major depression (using the various diagnostic criteria) can occur in 5-20% of such patients ( Rosenstein 2011 ;Tada et al 2012 ) . Depressive symptoms can occur in 15-50% while major depression (using the various diagnostic criteria) can occur in 5-20% of such patients ( Rosenstein 2011 ;Tada et al 2012 ) .…”