Medical Side of Depression for People with Mesothelioma

Dana Nolan, MS LMHCLicensed Mental Health Counselor

Incidence of Depression in People with Cancer

The National Cancer Institute reports that 15 to 25 percent of people with cancer experience depression

Depression equally affects men and women with cancer

Depression is not just feeling sad or grieving losses related to a cancer diagnosis

No data is available on incidence of depression in mesothelioma patients

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Why Would People with Mesothelioma Be at Risk of

Developing Depression? Fear of death Need to adjust to:

Less energy Treatment schedule Change in life plans and goals

Feelings of denial or anger Changes in sleep and diet Anxiety

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Symptoms of Depression

Daily feelings of sadness

or hopelessness

Persistent lack of:

Energy

Motivation

Concentration or memory

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Poor sleep (too much

or too little)

Loss of interest in fun

activities

Social isolation

Risks Leading to Depression

Pre-existing depression/history of depression

Diagnosed with advanced or incurable cancer

Fatigue

Poor social support system

History of drug or alcohol abuse

Taking corticosteroid medications

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Causes of DepressionSome conditions common in mesothelioma patients

can cause depression:

Anemia

Uncontrolled pain

Hyper/hypothyroidism

Fever

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National Cancer Institute (2014, December 3). Treatment of Depression. Retrieved from: http://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/coping/feelings/depression-pdq#section/_8

Fluctuations in B12, folate,

calcium, sodium or

potassium levels in our body

Treatment for Depression

Medication Emotional Support

Group Individual

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MedicationsReservations mesothelioma patients may have about taking antidepressants:

“I already take too many pills.” “People will think I am crazy.” “I have heard the side effects are bad.” “I am afraid I’ll get addicted to them.” “I took them before, and they didn’t work.”

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How Do Antidepressants Work? Brain cells communicate to each other with

chemicals called neurotransmitters (dopamine, serotonin, glutamate and adrenaline)

Depressed people have abnormal levels of serotonin, dopamine and norepinephrine in their brains, meaning that brain cells aren’t communicating properly with each other

Antidepressants work to slowly rebalance those neurotransmitters

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Common Antidepressants Newer: Prozac, Paxil, Effexor, Celexa, Zoloft,

Cymbalta, Lexapro and Pristiq

Older or Atypical: Wellbutrin, trazodone, nortriptyline and amitriptyline

Most physicians will prescribe one of the newer antidepressants and transition to the older or atypical ones if the newer ones are not effective

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Trial and Error Many patients need to try a few different types of

antidepressants to find one that works It takes 4-6 weeks for antidepressants to work so

it can be a long process to get some relief

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Dosing and Compliance

Antidepressants are not taken “as needed” but must be taken as prescribed (usually once or twice a day)

Common side effects can be mild nausea, difficulty sleeping and dry mouth for the first few days of starting or increasing the dose of the antidepressant

Side effects usually subside within 3-5 days

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What to Expect When Taking an Antidepressant

Most people describe a gradual “lifting” or “brightening” of their mood. Others report “glimpses of happiness” throughout the day

Some people report feeling a little better within a few days and others take a lot longer

Keeping a daily mood diary is helpful to rate, track and report back to your physician (0=very depressed to 10=not depressed)

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Don’t Suffer Needlessly Depression is a common experience in people with

cancer just like nausea, fatigue and pain But because depression is common or

understandable, it doesn’t mean patients should tough it out without help

Medication and emotional support do help!

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Contact Information

1-800-615-2270

(800) 615-2270