The goal of this study is to learn more about how we measure depression in elderly cancer patients (patients aged 70 and older). Depression is one of the most common causes of emotional distress in the elderly and continues to be under-recognized. This is a problem because depression can have a negative impact on quality of life. The symptoms of depression are linked to poor health outcomes and higher costs of health care. In fact, depression is one of the top five concerns facing the elderly today.
We have a few questionnaires that have been used to measure depression, but we do not know how these measures work with people with cancer. This study will help us answer this question. To complete this study, we need people who may or may not be feeling down or depressed. If you choose to take part, you will be asked to do the following: 1. Fill out questionnaires that ask about: * Your age, eduction, race, and income * Your mood In all, these questionnaires will take about 10 minutes to complete. 2. Answer questions about your mood. This will also take about 10 minutes to complete.
Study Type
OBSERVATIONAL
Enrollment
201
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
New York, New York, United States
Test the sensitivity and specificity of the Geriatric Depression Scale-Short Form and two other widely used assessments of depression to detect major and minor depression in a geriatric breast and prostate cancer population.
Time frame: 2 years
To develop a cut-off score for the GDS that is specific to a cancer population.
Time frame: 2 years
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