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Depression in women with metastatic breast cancer: A review of the literature

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  13 November 2008

Aude Caplette-Gingras  and
Josée Savard
Aude Caplette-Gingras
Affiliation:
School of Psychology, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, Canada Laval University Cancer Research Center, Québec, Québec, Canada
Josée Savard*
Affiliation:
School of Psychology, Université Laval, Québec, Québec, Canada Laval University Cancer Research Center, Québec, Québec, Canada
*
Address correspondence and reprint requests to: Josée Savard, Laval University Cancer Research Center, 11 Côte du Palais, Québec, Québec, G1R 2J6, Canada. E-mail: josee.savard@psy.ulaval.ca
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Abstract

Objective:

The aim of this article is to review the available literature on depression in women with metastatic breast cancer in terms of prevalence, potential risk factors, and consequences, as well as pharmacological and psychological interventions.

Method:

An extensive review of the literature was conducted.

Results:

The prevalence of depression appears to be especially elevated in patients with advanced cancer. Many demographic, medical, and psychosocial factors may increase the risk that women will develop depressive symptoms during the course of their illness. Despite the fact that depression appears to be associated with numerous negative consequences, this disorder remains underdiagnosed and undertreated. Both pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy have been found to treat effectively depressive symptoms in this population, but cognitive-behavioral therapy appears to be the most cost-effective approach.

Significance of results:

Areas for future research are suggested.

Keywords

Metastatic breast cancerDepressionCorrelatesPsychotherapyPharmacotherapy
Type
Review Articles
Information
Palliative & Supportive Care , Volume 6 , Issue 4 , December 2008 , pp. 377 - 387
Copyright
Copyright © Cambridge University Press 2008

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