Download - Medical Side of Depression and Mesothelioma
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