Date of Award

Spring 2023

Degree Name

Master of Medical Science (Physician Assistant)

Department

Physician Assistant; College of Health Sciences

First Advisor

Jaime Shaffer, MMS, PA-C

Abstract

This CME article was written to acknowledge a deficiency in the breadth of research surrounding the treatment of depression in patients with cancer diagnoses. Patients with cancer are prescribed antidepressants at lower rates than the general population, and research suggests they are not as effective. Patients with depression experience physiologic processes that can create favorable conditions for their cancer. These patients also have a higher risk of mortality than cancer patients without depression. The approach to treating depression with cancer accompanying lacks standardization and high quality evidence, but promising effects have been seen in physical exercise programs, meditation, and mindfulness based therapies.

Download

Additional Files

Capstone Presentation Video .mp4 (14494 kB)

Share

COinS
 

Patients’ emotional well being and their cancer prognosis: The interplay and how to optimize patient outcomes by optimizing mental health

This CME article was written to acknowledge a deficiency in the breadth of research surrounding the treatment of depression in patients with cancer diagnoses. Patients with cancer are prescribed antidepressants at lower rates than the general population, and research suggests they are not as effective. Patients with depression experience physiologic processes that can create favorable conditions for their cancer. These patients also have a higher risk of mortality than cancer patients without depression. The approach to treating depression with cancer accompanying lacks standardization and high quality evidence, but promising effects have been seen in physical exercise programs, meditation, and mindfulness based therapies.