Psychiatric Co-Morbidity Case Study

Cancer is an illness which involes multiple organ systems. Despite recent advances in securing remission and possible cure, cancer still remains a disease equated with fear, hopelessness, helplessness, pain and death. Its management often produce psychological distress resulting from the actual symptoms of the disease, as well as patient’s and family’s perception of the disease and its associated stigma. The psychiatric comorbidity in cancer patients is often missed or underdiagnosed. High prevalence of psychiatric disorder, especially depression,have been reported among the cancer patients - particularly in those who were knowing their diagnosis and prognosis.The prevalence rate for all depressive disorders combined (major depression, dysthymia and adjustment disorder), anxiety disorders (panic disorder, generalised anxiety disorder) remains very high and comprise majority of psychiatry diagnosis. …show more content…
Also the depressive and anxiety spectrum disorders which constitute over 90% of the comorbidity in these patients are highly treatable conditions giving good results with both pharmacological as well as non pharmacological interventions. And this may inturn have significant influence on quality of life, treatment compliance and prognosis of these patients. A majority of these disorders are eminently treatable provided the index of suspicion is high. Psychiatric evaluation of vulnerable cancer patients as well as care givers should be considered if there is slightest