Trastornos psiquiátricos mayores en pacientes con cáncer. Estudio longitudinal prospectivo

Background: The incidence of psychiatric disorder in cancer patients is unknown, however the diagnosis and treatment of cancer often produce psychologic stress. The aim of this study was to estimate the incidence rate andclinical features of psychiatric disorders in cancer patients. Patients and methods: A prospective cohort study in a population with cancer was carried out. A total of 193 cases were identified. From all of them data of mental status were obtained during an interview. The DSM-IV diagnostic criteria were used to determine the diagnosis. Results: The incidence rate of psychiatric disorder in cancer patients was 150.25%o persons-year (119%o persons-year in metastatic patients and 31,09%o persons-year in patients with localized cancer). The most frequent psychologic disorders in cancer patients were depression, anxiety, panic attacks, hypochondria and delirium. Factors associated with an increased risk of depression in cancer patients include an advanced stage of disease, a poor prognosis and depression, preexisting psychiatric or personality disorders. Suicidal risk was low, however current studies indicate a greater risk than the general population. Conclusions: Early diagnosis of psychiatric disorder are often unrecognized or misdiagnosed by medical, however early recognition is important for its treatment.