Citation

Costantini A, Pompili M, Innamorati M, Zezza MC, Di Carlo A, Sher L, Girardi P. J. Psychosoc. Oncol. 2014; 32(4): 383-395.

Affiliation

Psycho-Oncology Unit , Sant' Andrea Hospital sapienza University of Rome , Rome , Italy.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2014, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/07347332.2014.917136

PMID

24797891

Abstract

The aims of the study were to assess socio-demographic and clinical factors associated with suicidal ideation in patients with cancer who required a psycho-oncological support. Among 504 participants, there were 136 (23 men and 113 women) cancer patients who completed psychological assessment when admitted to the Psycho-oncology Outpatient Clinic between 2006 and 2011. Suicidal ideation was assessed by item n. 9 of the Brief Symptom Inventory, Hopelessness was assessed by the hopelessness subscale of the MINI-Mental Adjustment to Cancer Scale, and Depression was assessed by the depression subscale of the Hospital and Anxiety Depression Scale. Around 30% of our sample reported affective symptoms and around 20% reported suicidal ideation and hopelessness. Patients who reported suicidal ideation were more hopeless (18.8±6.7 vs. 15.7±5.2; t134 = 2.54; P<0.05) and reported more depression (11.8 ±4.8 vs. 6.8±4.1; t134 = 5.30; P<0.001). It is evident that cancer can result in a strong psychological distress in the patient. It is important, therefore, that cancer patients receive a proper assistance and psychological support and that both the possible presence of depression and suicidal ideation are constantly monitored.

Language: en