The influence of pain syndrome on the prevalence and severity of depression in cancer patients

Abstract

Background. Pain in cancer patients is one of the most common complaints. The overall prevalence of pain syndrome among cancer patients is 44.5%. Inadequate pain control has a negative impact on the patient's psychoemotional state. The presence of depression can lead to decreased treatment adherence, worsening the clinical prognosis. The extent to which chronic pain syndrome (CPS) influences the development of depression in cancer patients has not yet been fully elucidated. Studying this issue will help determine whether chronic pain is a significant risk factor for depression in cancer patients. Study Objective: To evaluate the presence of pain syndrome as a prognostic factor for the development of depression in cancer patients. Materials and Methods: The study included 132 patients with confirmed malignant neoplasms at various stages, with a Karnofsky physical status of 60-100% and an ECOG performance status of no more than 2 points. Of these, 72 patients had chronic pain syndrome (CHS) (pain intensity according to the NOS was 4.9 ± 1.3) and 60 patients without pain syndrome. All patients were assessed for signs of depression using the Beck Depression Inventory, followed by analysis of the obtained data. Results and discussion. Signs of depression are found in more than half of cancer patients in the general population (65.15%). Moreover, in patients with chronic pain syndrome, signs of depression were detected in the overwhelming majority – 79.17% (57 patients); in the group without pain syndrome – in 48.33% (29 patients). The severity of depression was significantly higher in the group of patients with chronic pain syndrome – the average score on the Beck Depression Inventory was 18 points, corresponding to moderate depression; in the second group – 10.2 points, which is typical of subdepression. Conclusion. Chronic pain syndrome increases the frequency and severity of depression in cancer patients. Thus, pain in cancer patients can be considered as a prognostic factor for depression, and all of them require adequate pain therapy, as well as consultation with a psychologist and/or psychotherapist to correct any psychoemotional disorders that may arise.

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