Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, Depression, and Anxiety in Colorectal Cancer Patients

Background: Colorectal cancer is the second most common cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Patients may feel distressed and develop symptoms of PTSD due to the diagnosis and treatment of colorectal cancer, which are considered to be very stressful and potentially traumatic events. Aim: To detect occurrence of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression and anxiety in colorectal cancer patients.Methods: The cross sectional study was conducted at Oncology Department, Zagazig University Hospitals, Sharkia, Egypt on 120 cases who had cancer colon, rectum or colorectal admitted at oncology department before operation. All patients were subjected to psychometric assessment.Results: There is statistically significant relation between gender and arousal domain of PTSS (Significantly higher in males) and anxiety scores (Significantly higher in females). There is statistically significant relation between employment and all of physical, psychological, social, environmental and total QoL (Significantly lower in those employed) and arousal score of PTSS (Significantly higher in employed). There is statistically significant relation between recurrence and both physical, psychological health domain scores, all domains of PTSD (Significantly higher in recurrence) and there is statistically significant relation between recurrence and both physical, psychological health domain scores, all domains of PTSD (Significantly higher in recurrence).Conclusion: Colorectal cancer had a negative impact on mental health of their patients in relation to diagnosis and treatment. Colorectal cancer patients had significant distress including depression, anxiety and PTSS. Psychological distress affected by several factors as age, sex, employment, marital status, also diseases stage, therapy and recurrence.