Current management of depression in cancer patients

Depression is a common but treatable condition among cancer patients. Screening for depression can be done simply and effectively, and a variety of practical treatment strategies are available. Numerous factors should be considered when prescribing medications from an ever-growing antidepressant armamentarium, including selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors, serotonin norepinephrine-reuptake inhibitors, serotonin antagonist-reuptake inhibitors, norepinephrine dopamine modulators, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, reversible inhibitors of monoamine oxidase type A, tricyclic antidepressants, and psychostimulants. Other treatment options include electroconvulsive therapy and numerous forms of psychotherapy. The judicious use of medication and supportive therapies should significantly alleviate depression and enable the patient to navigate the cancer course with dignity, purpose, and the best quality of life possible.