A Pilot Trial of Interpersonal Psychotherapy for the Treatment of Depression in Patients With Prostate, Colorectal, Lung and Pancreatic Cancer

There is now overwhelming evidence documenting the efficacy of psychotherapy in the treatment of depression in the general population. Surprisingly, however, given the high prevalence of depression in cancer patients, there are very few studies on the efficacy of psychotherapy in this population. Published studies of psychotherapy in cancer patients generally include patients with high heterogeneity of psychiatric diagnosis and frequently include patients without a psychiatric diagnosis, with the aim of preventing the appearance of a psychiatric disorder. This heterogeneity complicates the interpretation of the efficacy and specificity of these interventions. Specifically, the efficacy of psychotherapy for major depression in patients with cancer is unknown.

Sex

All

Minimum age

18 Years

Maximum age

75 Years

Inclusion Criteria:

* A primary psychiatric diagnosis of Major Depressive Disorder as defined by DSM-IV
* Diagnosis of prostate, colorectal, lung or pancreatic cancer (stage 1-4)
* A score of 16 or above in the 17-item HAM-D (Hamilton depression scale)
* Male or female ages 18-75.
* Ability to give consent
* English and/ or Spanish Speaking

Exclusion Criteria:

* Lifetime history of psychosis or bipolar disorder
* History of substance abuse or dependence in the three months prior to the study.
* Current suicide risk.
* Patients who have ever failed IPT in the context of cancer.
* Patients who are receiving effective medication for depression
* Patients with T3, T4 and THS abnormal values