Comparative Studies of Psychological Function in Patients With Advanced Cancer- Part I: Self-Reported Depressive Symptoms

Compared depression, assessed the by Beck Depression Inventory, in (1) 97 cancer patients (17-72 yrs), (2) 66 next-of-kin of cancer patients (22-67) & (3) 99 physically healthy psychiatric patients who attempted suicide (15-66). Results include: 25% of (1), 18% of (2) & 54% of (3) were moderately or severely depressed. (1) & (3) were indistinguishable in somatic depressive symptoms, scoring higher than (2). (1) & (2) were indistinguishable in nonsomatic symptoms, scoring lower than (3). (30 ref)