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Patterns of depression in cancer patients: an indirect test of gender-specific vulnerabilities to depression

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Abstract

Background

Higher rates of depression in women compared to men have been attributed to intrinsic biological or psychological vulnerabilities, to their disproportionate exposure to stressful events and circumstances, or to the combined contributions of these factors.

Purpose

This study aimed to determine if there is a gender disparity in depression rates in patients with advanced cancer, a circumstance associated with multiple stressors and a high prevalence of depression.

Method

Data were collected from 569 patients, assessing demographic characteristics, depressive symptoms, physical symptoms, and social support.

Results

Clinically significant symptoms of depression (BDI-II scores ≥16) were reported by more than 20% of the sample, with no significant gender differences in depression. There were no significant gender differences in potentially confounding factors such as social support or physical symptom burden.

Conclusion

The results indicated that men and women may be equally likely to develop depression when faced with a highly stressful circumstance.

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Acknowledgments

The authors thank their colleagues and research staff for their valuable contributions to this project, including Leanne Ferreira, BSc; our many student and volunteer research assistants; the Princess Margaret Hospital gastrointestinal and lung cancer clinic staff and volunteers who facilitated recruitment; and E. Manolo Romero Escobar, MA, for his statistical expertise. They extend their particular gratitude to study participants who gave their time and effort at a very difficult juncture in their lives. This study was supported by grants from the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR #MOP-62861 and MOP-74864; G. Rodin, PI). This study was funded in part by the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care. The views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of the OMOHLTC.

Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychosocial Oncology and Palliative Care, Campbell Family Cancer Research Institute, Ontario Cancer Institute, Princess Margaret Hospital, University Health Network, University of Toronto, 610 University Avenue 16-724, Toronto, ON, M5G 2M9, Canada

    Sara Miller, Christopher Lo, Sarah Hales, Anne Rydall, Camilla Zimmermann, Madeline Li & Gary Rodin

  2. Department of Kinesiology, York University, Toronto, Canada

    Lucia Gagliese

Authors
  1. Sara Miller
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  2. Christopher Lo
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  3. Lucia Gagliese
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  4. Sarah Hales
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  5. Anne Rydall
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  6. Camilla Zimmermann
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  7. Madeline Li
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  8. Gary Rodin
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Gary Rodin.

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Miller, S., Lo, C., Gagliese, L. et al. Patterns of depression in cancer patients: an indirect test of gender-specific vulnerabilities to depression. Soc Psychiatry Psychiatr Epidemiol 46, 767–774 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-010-0246-7

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00127-010-0246-7

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