Preferences of Patients With Myeloproliferative Neoplasms for Accepting Anxiety or Depression Treatment. Academic Article uri icon

Overview

abstract

  • BACKGROUND: Patients with chronic hematologic malignancies such as myeloproliferative neoplasms suffer from significant physical and psychological symptom burden. This study examined their willingness to accept an antidepressant and their preferences for which provider (mental health professional or hematologist/oncologist) prescribes an antidepressant for the management of anxiety and depression. METHODS: Anxiety and depression treatment preferences were measured with 3 questions assessing: (1) willingness to accept an antidepressant, (2) willingness to have their hematologist/oncologist prescribe the antidepressant, and (3) preference for treatment by a psychiatrist or mental health professional. Additionally, the Distress Thermometer and Problem List, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Risky Families Questionnaire, and demographic information were assessed to assess levels of distress, anxiety, and depression. RESULTS: Of the 117 participants, 69 (63.0%) were willing to accept an antidepressant in general and 61 (58.1%) were willing to accept an antidepressant from their hematologist/oncologist (p < 0.000). Although 41(39.0%) preferred to be treated by a mental health provider, this preference was not significantly associated with their respective preference for accepting an antidepressant (p = 0.057). Participants already taking antidepressants and those with elevated chronic stress levels were more willing to receive an antidepressant from their hematologist/oncologist (p = 0.035, p = 0.03, respectively). Treatment preferences did not vary based on myeloproliferative neoplasm type, length of time with myeloproliferative neoplasm, race/ethnicity, marital or working status, or by meeting distress/anxiety/depression criteria. A significant minority (n = 28, 26.7%) would not accept any treatment. CONCLUSION: Most patients with myeloproliferative neoplasm accepted an antidepressant and readily accepted the prescription from their hematologist/oncologist. The hematologists/oncologist׳s psychopharmacologic knowledge and their willingness to prescribe antidepressants should be assessed.

publication date

  • August 17, 2016

Research

keywords

  • Antidepressive Agents
  • Anxiety Disorders
  • Bone Marrow Neoplasms
  • Depressive Disorder
  • Patient Acceptance of Health Care

Identity

Scopus Document Identifier

  • 84991269154

Digital Object Identifier (DOI)

  • 10.1016/j.psym.2016.08.006

PubMed ID

  • 27745871

Additional Document Info

volume

  • 58

issue

  • 1