Comorbidities between fatigue and depression in patients with colorectal cancer

Abstract

The objective of this study was to identify and characterize the comorbidities of fatigue and depression in colorectal cancer patients. A non-probabilistic sample of 154 outpatients (53% men; mean age 49.6±11.7 years; mean education 8.9±5.4 years). Fatigue was evaluated using the Revised Piper Fatigue Scale (min:0; max:10) and depression was evaluated using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) (min:0; max: 63). Fatigue was identified by 76 (49.4%) patients, and was intense (total score >; 6) for 19.7% . Scores compatible with depression (BDI>; 20) were found in 11 (7.1%) patients. Fatigue and depression were correlated (r= 0.395, p<0.001). Comorbidities of moderate/severe fatigue and dysphoria/depression occurred in 12.3%. Fatigue was present in all patients with depression (100%) and depression occurred in 18% of patients with fatigue. Fatigue and depression are related phenomena. Comorbidities can be deleterious to the patient. Depression had a stronger effect on the occurrence of fatigue than the effect of fatigue on depression.