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Posted by on Nov 27, 2018 in Breast cancer | 0 comments

In a nutshell

This paper was looking at which type of therapy is best for women with breast cancer who are experiencing major depression. The study found that all three therapies tested resulted in equal benefit for the patients.  

Some background

It is well known that there is an association between being diagnosed with breast cancer and experiencing depression. There are a number of talking therapies that are used as a part of treatment for depression. Interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT) is one which focuses on helping interpersonal problems in the life of the patient. Problem solving therapy (PST) helps patients learn skills to cope with problems. Brief supportive therapy (BST) is a combination of a number of types of therapy. It is not known if one of these types of therapy works better than the others in treating patient with breast cancer who are experiencing depression.

Methods & findings

This study consisted of 134 patients who all had breast cancer and tested positive for depression. Over 50% of the patients were Hispanic, and reported having money issues. The patients were tested at the start of the 12 week trial using a questionnaire to determine the level of depression. This is called the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale. The patients were split into three groups, and each group received a different type of therapy. Group 1 had 46 patients, and they received IPT. Group 2 had 43 patients, and they received PST. Finally, group 3 had 45 patients, and they received BSP. The treatment went on for 12 weeks, and at the end, all the patients were tested using the same Hamilton Depression Rating Scale.

A high number of patients dropped out of treatment before the 12 weeks were up. In the IPT group, 35% of patients improved their score on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale by at least half, and 25% had scores that were considered “not depressed.” In the PST group, 50% of patients improved their score on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale by at least half, and 30% had scores that were considered “not depressed.” In the BSP group, 31% of patients improved their score on the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale by at least half, and 27% had scores that were considered “not depressed.”

The bottom line

The authors found that IPT, PST, and BSP were all effective in treating depression in women with breast cancer.  

The fine print

This is a small study, and it has a lot of factors to consider. This should be redone and compared to women who do not have breast cancer to see if there is any difference.

What’s next?

If you are feeling sad or depressed, speak to a professional about getting therapy.    

Published By :

Breast Cancer Research and Treatment

Date :

Oct 20, 2018

Original Title :

A randomized trial of interpersonal psychotherapy, problem solving therapy, and supportive therapy for major depressive disorder in women with breast cancer.

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