Rethinking depression diagnosis in ovarian cancer: The role of somatic symptoms
A diagnosis of depression is common for patients with ovarian cancer. The risk is said to be three times that of the general population. This prospective study seeks to assess the role of physical symptoms often seen in these women, which may have led to false diagnoses.
Following treatment, depression diminishes. There is speculation that the depression is an adaptive response to illness rather than a clinical entity.
Psychosociological assessments were undertaken on 428 women with ovarian cancer. They were performed before treatment and a year later and compared to a healthy comparison group of 713 women. Many of the symptoms experienced by ovarian cancer patients, such as fatigue, loss of appetite and brain fog, are criteria that are used to diagnose depression. These symptoms diminish over time, which may account for the reduced severity of depression.
Results from the assessments confirmed the greater risk of clinical depression. However, for many of these women, the high prevalence of somatic symptoms caused a false diagnosis of severe depression. The authors suggest that increased awareness of the possible false diagnosis is required, with education of carers and patients as to the possibility.
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