A network analysis examining mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder, in colorectal cancer patients

BACKGROUND: As the incidence of colorectal cancer increases, patients face heightened stress and mental health challenges associated diagnosis. Mental health disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety can greatly affect the overall physical and psychological health of these patients. This study aims to investigate the associations between anxiety, depression, and PTSD symptoms in colorectal cancer patients. METHODS: This study involved 312 colorectal cancer patients who completed a general information questionnaire, the PTSD Checklist for DSM-5 (PCL-5), and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). Data were analyzed using network analysis in R. RESULTS: The analysis identified depression as the key central node in the network. Depression, anxiety, loss of interest (P12), sleep disturbance (P20), and intrusive thoughts (P1) were identified as bridge symptoms. Strong associations were observed between avoidance of thoughts (P6) and avoidance of reminders (P7), and between hypervigilance (P17) and exaggerated startle response (P18), along with anxiety and depression. CONCLUSION: This study identified depression, anxiety, loss of interest (P12), sleep disturbance (P20), and intrusive thoughts (P1) as key bridge symptoms. Future interventions should focus on these bridge symptoms to improve the mental health of colorectal cancer patients.