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Contextual and historical factors for increased levels of anxiety and depression in patients with head and neck cancer: A prospective longitudinal study
Author(s) -
Henry Melissa,
Fuehrmann Fabienne,
Hier Michael,
Zeitouni Anthony,
Kost Karen,
Richardson Keith,
Mlynarek Alex,
Black Martin,
MacDonald Christina,
Chartier Gabrielle,
Zhang Xun,
Rosberger Zeev,
Frenkiel Saul
Publication year - 2019
Publication title -
head and neck
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.012
H-Index - 127
eISSN - 1097-0347
pISSN - 1043-3074
DOI - 10.1002/hed.25725
Subject(s) - anxiety , neuroticism , depression (economics) , longitudinal study , clinical psychology , psychiatry , prospective cohort study , medicine , head and neck cancer , psychology , cancer , personality , social psychology , pathology , economics , macroeconomics
Background This study aimed at examining predictors of clinical anxiety and depressive symptoms in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) at 3, 6, and 12 months post‐diagnosis, with a particular interest in contextual and historical factors. Methods Prospective longitudinal study of 219 consecutive patients newly diagnosed with a first occurrence of primary HNC, including psychometric measures, Structured Clinical Interview for DSM‐IV Diagnoses (SCID), and medical chart reviews. Results Point prevalence of clinical anxiety symptoms (Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale‐Anxiety subscale) was 32.0%, 21.9%, 12.1%, and 12.6% at baseline, 3, 6, and 12 months; and clinical depressive symptoms on the Depression Subscale was 19.4%, 21.9%, 13.5%, and 9.2%, respectively. Predictors of anxiety and depressive symptoms included upon diagnosis SCID major depressive or anxiety disorder, stressful life events in previous year, neuroticism, and levels of anxiety and depressive symptoms upon cancer diagnosis. Conclusions This study emphasizes the predictive contribution of broader personal contextual and historical factors that increase psychological vulnerability in HNC and merit consideration.