Incidence, Structure and Interrelationships of Subsyndromal Depression Symptomatology in Prostate Cancer Patients

Abstract

Background: Although it has similar disease burden effects as Major Depressive Episode, Subsyndromal Depression (SSD) has not yet been examined in prostate cancer (PCa) patients. Objective: To describe the prevalence of SSD, its symptom components, and relationships between those components, in a sample of PCa patients. Methods: 507 Australian PCa patients completed Zung Self-rating Depression Scale (ZSDS). The DSM-IV-TR 10 criteria for Major Depressive Episode were defined and used to detect SSD. Results: SSD occurred in 17.5% of the sample. Worthlessness and guilt, diminished ability to think or concentrate, and anhedonia were the most common symptoms reported. Anhedonia and concentration difficulties were the most powerful predictors of overall depressive status. Conclusion: Because of SSD's damaging effects upon patients' functioning and quality of life, it may be valuable to assess this form of depression in PCa patients and use the presenting symptomatology as potential goals for treatment planning.