Identifying and Measuring Depression in Older Cancer Patients

Identifying and Measuring Depression in Older Cancer Patients

The purpose of this study is to develop an accurate and useful way of measuring older patients' moods and reactions to the combined issue of cancer treatment and aging. Also, the purpose of this study is to test a new self-report measure of depressive symptoms tailored to the needs of older adults with cancer. Findings from this research will help us develop improved methods of diagnosis and treatment.

Inclusion Criteria:

For Patients in Phases 1- 3:

• Current or previous cancer diagnosis and treatment (any site and any stage)

• All Phases 1,2,3- 70 years of age or older

• For Phase 1b only; 50 participants ages 50-69 will also be recruited

• For Phase 2 only: As per medical record or self report, history of Depression, Dysthymia, or Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood

• For Phase 3 depressive subset: As per medical record or self report, a history of depressive symptoms such as

  • Adjustment Disorder with depressed mood
  • Adjustment Disorder with mixed depressed mood and anxiety
  • Mood disorder (i.e., due to general medical condition, Not Otherwise Specified)
  • Depressive Disorder (i.e., Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) single episode, MDD recurrent, Depressive disorder not otherwise specified, Dysthymia)

• In the judgment of the consenting professional able to communicate, comprehend, and complete questionnaires in English

Exclusion Criteria:

For Patients in Parts 1- 3:

• In the judgment of the consenting professional and/or as per medical record, severe psychopathology or cognitive impairment likely to interfere with the participation or completion of the protocol or ability to provide meaningful information.
• For Phase 1&2 only: Score of > 11 on the Blessed Orientation-Memory-Concentration Scale (BOMC)
• For Part 2 only: As per medical record or self report, a diagnosis of a Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorder, current substance use disorder, Bipolar Disorder or Schizotypal personality disorder. Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders include Schizophrenia, Schizophreniform disorder, Schizoaffective disorder, Delusional disorder, Brief psychotic disorder, Attenuated Psychotic Disorder, and Adjustment Disorder (except for Adjustment Disorder with Depressed Mood).