Detecting mood disorders in men diagnosed with cancer who seek semen cryopreservation: a chance to improve service

To assess the prevalence of mood disorders in patients diagnosed with cancer and who pursue fertility preservation. Prospective questionnaire. The Human Assisted Reproduction (H.A.R.I.) unit, Rotunda Hospital. Twenty nine men were recruited between August 2001 and January 2002. Patients were informed about the study and requested to sign a consent form prior to completing the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Information regarding the patients diagnosis and prognosis were obtained from a standard referral form completed by the referring oncologists. The prevalence of mood disorders and to determine if this is related to the pretreatment prognosis. Anxiety was diagnosed in 44.8% and depression in 17.2% of patients. However clinically significant anxiety and depression was diagnosed in 13.8% and 6.9% respectively. There was no significant difference in the scores for anxiety and depression in the good prognosis group compared with the guarded group. Reduced sperm count was diagnosed in 26.9% of men and decreased motility in 30.8%, but neither of these were influenced by mood. Anxiety and depression are commonly encountered in patients with cancer. Most cases are of mild to moderate severity. Knowledge of our patients' psychological status will contribute to an improved service.