Evaluation of Anxiety in Patients with Gastrointestinal Malignancy

Overview

Evaluation of depression and anxiety in patients with gastrointestinal malignity During 18 months 47 patients admitted to the surgical clinic with gastrointestinal malignity were psychiatrically examined. The list of patients consisted of 33 and 14 women. Patients with more serious psychiatric (psychotic disorders, dementias) and somatic illnesses (organ failure, metastatic processes) were excluded. Hamilton scales (HAMA, HAMD) were used to measure objective levels of anxiety and depression, Zung self-examination scales were used to assess subjective levels of these emotions. Quality of life was measured by MANSA scale. The patients were examinated before surgical intervention, at the time of discharge and 6 months after discharge. We found no significant differences in the depression and anxiety levels during particular visits. In 29% of patients (n = 14) more severe anxiety and depressive symptoms were found (HAMA, HAMD>12). Woman scored significantly higher in anxiety and depression scales.

Key words:
anxiety, depression, gastrointestinal malignity, quality of life.