Comprehensive care for psychological health
Why is psychological health important in ADT management?1
ADT, as well as a prostate cancer diagnosis and progression, can negatively impact mental health, potentially causing depression to develop or worsen.
25-50% of patients on ADT experience cognitive changes
Recommendations for healthcare providers managing psychological health during ADT2
- Provide counseling to assess the patient’s neuropsychiatric health
- Explain the risk of increased depression and anxiety
- Review potential changes in cognitive function
- Discuss importance of talking with primary care providers about changes in Patient Health Questionnaire 9 (PHQ-9), emotional well-being, and cognitive function
- Conduct mental health screening
- Consider adding a brief written or verbal depression screen such as Patient Health Questionnaire 2 (PHQ-2) to standard intake questions
- Recommend patient self-assessment with PHQ-9 or another validated tool
Identifying and managing any changes in psychological health can ensure patients maintain mental stability during ADT
