A RECENT study has highlighted the significant mental health burden faced by patients newly diagnosed with lymphoma or myeloma, revealing that over half of the patients experience clinically significant symptoms of anxiety and depression. Conducted between July 2021 and September 2022, the survey included 200 adult patients within six months of diagnosis, with a response rate of 74.9%.
The study found that 56.2% of participants exhibited clinically significant anxiety and/or depression symptoms. Specifically, 52.0% of patients met the criteria for anxiety, while 27.5% were identified as having depression. The study also revealed that lower financial satisfaction and higher levels of medical mistrust were associated with higher odds of anxiety, while depression was linked to lower financial satisfaction and reduced social support.
Furthermore, depression was shown to have a significant negative impact on quality of life (QOL), with an adjusted mean difference of -22.0, indicating a marked decline in well-being for those suffering from depressive symptoms.
The findings underscore the importance of integrating mental health screening and psychological interventions into the care plans for patients with lymphoma or myeloma. Given the emotional and psychological toll these conditions take, healthcare providers are urged to adopt a more comprehensive approach to treatment that includes support for mental health alongside physical care.
Reference
Odejide OO et al. Anxiety and depression among patients newly diagnosed with lymphoma and myeloma. Blood Adv. 2025;9(7):1618-29.
