DEPRESSIVE SYMPTOMS IN CANCER-PATIENTS UNDERGOING CHEMOTHERAPY - A PSYCHOMETRIC ANALYSIS

Depressive psychopathology was measured in a prospective follow-up stu dy of 36 cancer patients. The psychometric properties of the Hamilton rating scales for depression and anxiety and the Melancholia Scale wer e examined. The scales proved useful, indicating that the symptomatic structure of depression in cancer patients is rather identical to that seen in primary depression. Depressive states were found in about 40% of patients before the start of chemotherapy. The frequency of interm ediate and high scores on the depression scales showed a low to modera te decrease after 6 months. Aspects of depression in the medically ill are discussed, and screening routines suggested.