Depression and anxiety in patients with head and neck cancer undergoing free flap reconstruction

Purpose: To determine the prevalence and severity of depression and anxiety in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC) undergoing treatment with free-flap (FF) reconstruction. Methods: Participants with HNC undergoing FF reconstruction were given the validated 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) and a 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) questionnaire prior to surgery. Patient factors and responses were analyzed. Results: Seventy-one patients were included. Mean (SD) pre-operative PHQ-9 was 7.6 (7.04) with 34 % (n = 24) having moderate to severe depression. Mean (SD) pre-operative GAD-7 was 6.5 (6.86) with 30 % (n = 21) having moderate to severe anxiety. Conclusion: Prevalence of depression and anxiety is high in this cohort and undiagnosed in 22 % and 18 % of patients, respectively. Due to the findings, it is prudent to screen HNC patients at initial diagnosis and offer mental health services.

Automated summary

This study investigated the prevalence and severity of depression and anxiety in patients with head and neck cancer undergoing free-flap reconstruction surgery. The findings showed a high prevalence of depression and anxiety in this cohort, with a significant number of patients remaining undiagnosed. Therefore, it is recommended to screen these patients at initial diagnosis and provide mental health services.