Depression, anxiety, intoxication and suicide following a diagnosis of non-small cell lung cancer : A population-based study (Sweden)

• Introduction: Cancer affects quality of life, including psychological wellbeing. The risk of depression and suicide have been found to be increased in cancer patients, especially in cancers with poor prognosis. The aim of this study was to examine rates of indicators of psychological distress in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Methods: We used data in a population-based research database to assess post-diagnostic events of depression, anxiety, intoxication (alcohol, opioids, sedatives and hypnotics) and suicide in patients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in comparison to individuals free of lung cancer (comparators) matched on age, sex and area of residence, representing the background population. Results: The study population encompassed 38,454 patients diagnosed with NSCLC between 2002 and 2016 and 184,090 lung cancer free individuals. Compared to the comparators, patients with NSCLC were more likely to have an immigrant background (14.9 % vs 12.6 %), a lower educational level (42.9 % vs 36.7 %) and a higher comorbidity burden (28.3 % vs 16.4 %). Post diagnostic rates of depression, anxiety intoxication and suicide were higher in NSCLC patients compared to individuals free of lung cancer. While the risk of depression, anxiety and suicide decreased over time, the risk of intoxication remained elevated throughout the follow-up period.  Conclusion: We found evidence of increased rates of indicators of psychological distress after a diagnosis of NSCLC. Our findings underscore the importance of symptom monitoring post-diagnosis and preparedness to provide adequate support and treatment.

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Cancer och onkologi (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Cancer and Oncology (hsv//eng)

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Psykiatri (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Psychiatry (hsv//eng)

Nyckelord

lung neoplasms

NSCLC

depressive disorder

dysthymic disorder

suicide

epidemiology

population-based

Sweden

Oncology

onkologi

psykiatri

Psychiatry

Publikations- och innehållstyp

vet (ämneskategori)

ovr (ämneskategori)