Depression, anxiety, and quality of life in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer

Objective. The aims of this study were to evaluate psychological distress a nd quality of life (QOL) in patients with epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC) a nd to examine the relationship between these problems and health and demogr aphic variables. Methods. Of 344 consecutive patients identified, 246 completed questionnair es. Four dimensions of QOL were assessed including physical, functional, em otional, and social/family well-being, as well as concerns specific to ovar ian cancer patients. Depression was measured with the Center for Epidemiolo gic Studies-Depression (CES-D) scale and anxiety was measured by the State Anxiety Subscale of the Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. Performa nce status was evaluated by the Zubrod score. Results. Sixty-five patients (26%) had early stage disease; 181 (74%) had a dvanced disease. One hundred twenty-one patients (49%) were under active tr eatment, while 124 (51%) were seen for posttherapy surveillance. Forty-eigh t (21%) met CES-D cutoff criteria for a clinical evaluation for depression, and 29% scored above the 75th percentile for anxiety. Performance status w as related to depression, anxiety, and QOL problems, except in the domain o f social well-being. Conclusions. Clinically significant depression and anxiety may be more prev alent in patients with EOC than previously reported. Future studies of scre ening for and treating psychological distress are being designed to improve QOL in these women. (C) 2000 Academic Press.