Anxiety and depression in elderly patients receiving treatment for cerebral tumours

Abstract

Little is known regarding affect and the quality of life of elderly persons with malignant brain tumours. More elderly patients are currently being diagnosed with primary malignant CNS tumours and current, aggressive treatment has extended median life expectancy. This case study indicated significant levels of clinical depression and anxiety may be experienced. Additionally, trait anxiety was found to increase with tumour progression. The patient's concern regarding loss of conjugal closeness and social inactivity was identified for the first time in persons with malignant brain tumours. Being progressively less active physically, and more isolated emotionally, this patient used her relatively good general intellectual abilities to worry about her situation. At the present time integration into the community and distress over her ability to be assertive decreased. Practical barriers to the delivery of psychological services were encountered and are likely to have been under appreciated.