Impact of supportive therapy in reducing anxiety and depression in middle aged cancer patients

Cancer patients receiving treatment for their recurrent disease often report the presence of anxiety and depression. In the study, I intended to find out the presence of anxiety and depression in such patients and to identify the effect of supportive therapy in reducing anxiety and depression. Fourteen cancer patients at different stages, undergoing treatment post-surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy were selected for therapy sessions. Pre and post therapy evaluation of anxiety and depression were determined by Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. The Distress Thermometer was used to measure distress before the therapy sessions. Statistical analysis was done by Wilcoxon signed rank test, using Minitab V.19.2.0 and online test calculator. The results indicated that before the therapy mean scores (± standard deviation) of anxieties were 11.92 (±1.63) and depression 19.78 (±1.76) which showed the presence of anxiety and depression in cancer patients and after psychotherapy, there was a significant reduction in anxiety (P < 0.001), depression (P < 0.001). Wilcoxon signed Ranked Test was employed and for anxiety Significant difference was found in the medians (12,8.5). The value of W was 0 which is less than critical value at N=14 (p< .05) is 21. Hence, the result was significant at p < .05. For depression, Significant difference was found in the medians (10,7.5). The value of W was 0 which is less than critical value at N=14 (p< .05) is 21. Hence, the result was significant at p < .05. Supportive therapy helps to reduce the levels of anxiety and depression. Therefore, psychotherapeutic interventions should be encouraged along with chemotherapy, radiotherapy to promote positive mental health and to obtain full benefit of pharmacological treatment.