Prevalence of depressive disorders among head-and-neck cancer patients: A hospital-based, cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND: Head-and-neck cancers (HNCs) are associated with significant psychosocial challenges at all stages of illness, which influence the course and outcome of cancer. We aimed to assess the prevalence of depressive disorders among patients with HNC and its sociodemographic and clinical determinants. MATERIALS AND METHODS: It was a cross-sectional study conducted in the department of oncology of a medical college hospital from South India. A total of 100 adult patients with HNC were recruited over a period of 1 year, after obtaining ethical clearance. Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview was used to assess for depressive disorders in these patients. RESULTS: We found that 49% of the patients were suffering from major depressive disorder (MDD), 13% of the patients had MDD with melancholic features, and 10% had dysthymia. Functional impairment and surgical treatments were associated with the diagnosis of depressive disorders. CONCLUSION: Depressive disorders are highly prevalent in HNC and emphasize the need for tailored psycho-oncological and psychotherapeutic interventions.