Source
Psychology Department, Indiana University Purdue University, Indianapolis, IN 46202, USA. lfbrown@iupui.edu
Abstract
BACKGROUND:
Fatigue is an important symptom in cancer and has been shown to be associated with psychological distress.
OBJECTIVE:
This review assesses evidence regarding associations of cancer-related fatigue with depression and anxiety.
METHOD:
Database searches yielded 59 studies reporting correlation coefficients or odds ratios.
RESULTS:
The combined sample size was 12,103. Almost all studies showed a correlation of fatigue with depression and with anxiety. However, 31 different instruments were used to assess fatigue, suggesting a lack of consensus on measurement.
CONCLUSION:
This review confirms the association of fatigue with depression and anxiety. Directionality needs to be better delineated in longitudinal studies.