November Article-Depression

As Oncology Nurses, we go to work every day and interact with people who have been given a potentially fatal diagnosis.   It is hard to imagine what goes through their minds when they try to sleep at night, or just go through the paces of every day life.  It is important to recognize the signs and symptoms
of depression with our patients so they can be referred to the psychological
and spiritual resources we are so fortunate to have at MRMC.                                        

 To read about depression in cancer patients, please go to:
 http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/supportivecare/depression/Patient                                                   
The article has a patient and healthcare version.  Please read the patient version excluding the sections on children.  Please read only the assessment and diagnosis section of the healthcare version.

Please forward your answers by paper to Melissa Luebbe c/o Pain Management Department, or email them to  melissaluebbe@comcast.net

Questions:

1)  What percentage of people diagnosed with cancer are estimated to suffer
      from depression?


2)  When trying to ascertain whether a patient was sad or depressed, what  
      questions might you ask them.                                                  


3)  What resources are available at our hospital to patients in emotional or
      spiritual crisis?


4)  What medications and or treatment can be responsible for mood
      alterations?