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Abstract
The assessment of depression in patients with advanced cancer presents a difficult clinical challenge. Reported prevalence rates of depression in cancer patients range from 3.7% to 58%. Studies using structured diagnostic interviews and clearly defined diagnostic criteria are presented. The current literature suggests that among hospitalized cancer patients with significant levels of physical impairment at least 25% suffer from clinically important depression. Risk of suicide and recent literature regarding early wish to die are also discussed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mary E. Lynch
- Department of Psychiatry, Dalhousie University, and Pain Management Unit, Victoria General Hospital, Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada
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