What is the connection between chemotherapy and depression?
The connection between chemotherapy and depression is indirect but common. Many patients undergoing chemotherapy are highly stressed and anxious, increasing the likelihood of suffering from depression. This is not due to the somatic changes that caused depression, but rather a psychological reaction to the changes in life that cancer brings. About 25 percent of cancer patients have been found to develop great depression during their condition.
Chemotherapy affects different people in different ways. Some people may not experience any side effects or just a few, while others may experience a wide range of traumatic and stressful effects. Chemotherapy is usually long -term treatment with direct side effects such as hair loss, diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. These side effects of chemotherapy in combination with the knowledge of cancer may lead to the patient to feel vulnerable, fear, socially isolated and depressed.Izing substance, chemotherapeutic substance and steroids, can cause depression or increase the potential for depression caused by chemotherapy.
Life with chronic diseases such as cancer, drug effects, physical symptoms such as pain and unresolved grief and anger in the contract are all factors that strengthen the connection between chemotherapy and depression. Depression is more than just a sense of sadness, but the persistent inability to enjoy life, accompanied by fatigue, loss of energy, changes in appetite, difficulty in concentration and inability to decide. Depression is characterized by a persistent mood change and is diagnosed if five or more symptoms last more than a week. In some cases, such a diagnosis is difficult because some symptoms are similar to the side effects of chemotherapy and other cancer drugs.
There are ways to deal with depression induced cheMotherapy. One of the events that can reduce fear and anxiety associated with chemotherapy and depression is to connect to the support group. Feelings of isolation and stress can often be alleviated by conversations with others who undergo the same problems and who, unlike friends and family, understand anxiety and fear of cancer. Getting professional assistance is equally important and advice can be very effective in helping people with problems such as chemotherapy and depression. There are also medicines that are effective in solving depression that the doctor can prescribe. However, some of them may have their own side effects, so they should only be used as a last option.