Assessment of Psychological Comorbidities in Patients with Head and Neck Cancer as Compared to Other ENT Patients

Abstract

Aims and objectives: • To determine the prevalence of psychological comorbidities in head and neck cancer (HNC) patients as compared to other ENT patients. • To determine the number of HNC patients requiring psychiatric treatment as compared to other ENT patients. Materials and methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted. Patients with head and neck carcinoma were selected as cases and appropriate controls were selected after matching for age (±2 years), sex, religion, address, and socioeconomic status. Both groups completed two quality of life questionnaires, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), and Beck’s Depression Inventory (BDI) scale. Further evaluation for depression, anxiety, or any other psychiatric illnesses was done by a psychiatrist. Results: The cases scored significantly higher on the HADS and BDI scale and were found to have a higher incidence of depression, anxiety, suicidal tendencies, and adjustment disorders than their respective controls. Conclusion: The prevalence of psychological comorbidities is significantly higher in head and neck carcinoma patients as compared to other ENT patients. Measuring health-related quality of life should be incorporated as an integral part of the treatment regimen and patient management.