The frequency of depression and anxiety disorder in relatives of patients undergoing chemotherapy

The treatment of cancer must been required multidisciplinary teamwork. In treatment process, both patients and clinicians settle down to surgery and / or chemoradiation protocols. Whereas, psychological condition of patients and caregivers investigated by many authors, are often overlooked. The aim of this study is found out the incidence of depression and anxiety in patient?s first-degree relatives undergoing chemotherapy treatment before and during chemotherapy and to determine the factors associated with them. Between June 2011 and January 2013, 287 first-degree relatives and 287 patients with the diagnosis of cancer undergoing chemotherapy were included in Celal Bayar University, Faculty of Medicine, Department of Medical Oncology Hospital. At diagnosis and every three months, the patients were interviewed with SF36 (Short Form-36) Quality of Life Scale, and Beck Depression Inventory and the Beck Anxiety Scale were administered to patients' relatives. The most of the patients and their relatives are the 41-60 age range. The oncology patients, 58.5% were female, 41.5% were male and their relatives 44.3% female, 55.7% percent were male. At the time of diagnosis and control medical examination, depression and anxiety were found to be up to 6 times in women than men. The presence of chronic disease have been identified up to 7 times increased anxiety and depression At the time of diagnosis and some control medical examination. The frequency of anxiety were obtained three times more in 41-60 age group comparing to 21-40 age group at the time of diagnosis. In most of the time of diagnosis and control, Relatives of patients with primary and secondary school education compared to those who are higher level of education have up to 20 times the incidence of depression. The progression of disease compared to regression was found to increase the frequency of anxiety 67 times and was found to increase the frequency of depression 19 times in fourth control medical examination. The physical and emotional health of caregivers responsible for the medical management of cancer patients requires consideration. The assessment of patients and caregivers at the time of diagnosis can be reduced anxiety and depression feelings at the end of treatment.