Depression and anxiety in patients with head and neck cancer undergoing free flap reconstruction.

Publication/Presentation Date

1-1-2024

Abstract

PURPOSE: To determine the prevalence and severity of depression and anxiety in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) undergoing treatment with free-flap (FF) reconstruction.

METHODS: Participants with HNC undergoing FF reconstruction were given the validated 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and a 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) questionnaire prior to surgery. Patient factors and responses were analyzed.

RESULTS: Seventy-one patients were included. Mean (SD) pre-operative PHQ-9 was 7.6 (7.04) with 34 % (n = 24) having moderate to severe depression. Mean (SD) pre-operative GAD-7 was 6.5 (6.86) with 30 % (n = 21) having moderate to severe anxiety.

CONCLUSION: Prevalence of depression and anxiety is high in this cohort and undiagnosed in 22 % and 18 % of patients, respectively. Due to the findings, it is prudent to screen HNC patients at initial diagnosis and offer mental health services.

Volume

45

Issue

1

First Page

104044

Last Page

104044

ISSN

1532-818X

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences

PubMedID

37734365

Department(s)

Department of Surgery, Division of Otolaryngology

Document Type

Article

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