Symptom Management in Oncology: Depression and Anxiety.

OBJECTIVE

To describe nursing symptom management of depression and anxiety in patients with cancer.

DATA SOURCES: These include journal articles, online resources, and personal experience in providing mental health care to cancer survivors with depression and/or anxiety.

CONCLUSION

Nurses can provide emotional support for patients with cancer and depression or anxiety. Nurses can become aware of nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic treatment for depression and anxiety to help patients decrease their emotional distress. Nurses can also refer patients with cancer to psychiatric professionals and emotional support programs.

IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE: Nurses do not have to be experts in psychiatry to manage symptoms of depression and anxiety in patients with cancer. Nurses can listen empathically, guide patients in relaxation techniques, and advocate if they need psychotropic medications or psychiatric referrals.