Factors associated with common mental disorders and use of psychiatric drugs in cancer outpatients

Considering the high incidence of cancer in Brazil and worldwide, the high prevalence and relevance of Common Mental Disorders (CMD) in the treatment of cancer patients, and the use of psychiatric drugs without reliably proven effectiveness, studies that contemplate this topic are needed to understand and provide rationale for the treatment of CMD in these individuals. This study identified prevalence and factors associated with Common Mental Disorders (CMD) and psychotropic use in cancer outpatients. This is a cross-sectional study with descriptive correlational design. It was developed in the chemotherapy sector of a hospital specialized in cancer. The tools used were: Self Reporting Questionnaire (SRQ-20) and structured questionnaires. Among 403 respondents, CMD prevalence was 31.5% and psychotropic use was 25.8%. CMD were associated with gender, education, family income, psychotropic use and cancer surgery. Psychotropic use was associated with gender, employment status, cancer surgery, treatment period and other physical health conditions. Logistic regressions showed CMD were associated with gender and other physical health conditions; psychotropic use was associated with gender, employment status and other conditions. •Psychiatric drugs must be considered with caution due to evidence of their interaction with chemotherapy drugs.•It was found association of CMD and psychiatric drugs socio-demographic factors.•Socio-demographic factors have to be considered for specific health actions aiming this•Specific actions targeting this population' safety and the efficacy in the improvement of CMD symptoms are urgently needed.