Depression
Symptoms of Depression in Cancer

Symptoms of depression in people with cancer can result from cancer or other medical illnesses, treatment side effects, medications used in cancer care, or psychological responses to the cancer experience.

Symptoms of depression in cancer include:

• Persistent sad, anxious, or "empty" mood



• Feelings of hopelessness, pessimism



• Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness



• Loss of interest or pleasure in hobbies and activities that were once enjoyed



• Decreased energy, fatigue, being "slowed down"



• Difficulty concentrating, remembering, making decisions



• Insomnia, early-morning awakening, or oversleeping



• Appetite and/or weight changes



• Thoughts of death or suicide, or suicide attempts



• Restlessness, irritability

If you are experiencing five or more of these symptoms every day for at least two weeks and they are interfering with routine daily activities, you should seek an evaluation for depression.

* Change in appetite or weight, fatigue, changes in sleep patterns, loss of energy are other indicators of depression in people who do not have a medical illness. In cancer, many of these symptoms result from cancer and cancer treatments and are not reliable indicators of depression in people with cancer.