BREAST AND PROSTATE CANCER: PERSONALITY FACTORS, ANXIETY, DEPRESSION AND PSYCHIATRIC DISORDERS

Abstract

Cancer treatment brings about changes in a patient's life, and although important, it can be associated with a risk of developing psychological and psychiatric disorders. This study aimed to identify symptoms of anxiety and depression, psychiatric disorders (neurotic and psychotic), and personality factors in patients with breast and prostate cancer. Data collection methods included: a sociodemographic questionnaire, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), the Big Five Personality Inventory (BIF2), and the Self-Report Questionnaire. Sixty cancer patients participated in the study, 50% female with a diagnosis of breast cancer and 50% male with a diagnosis of prostate cancer. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Spearman's correlation analysis. Possible and probable anxiety and depressive symptoms were identified in 36.7% (n=11) and 33.3% (n=10) of the female sample, respectively, and in 33.3% (n=10) and 16.7% (n=5) of the male sample; possible psychiatric disorders were identified in 33.3% (n=20) of the total sample; and the predominant personality trait was agreeableness, with 100% (n=30) in the male sample and 83.3% (n=25) in the female sample. These findings refute the initial hypothesis, based on current literature, that patients with neurotic traits might present higher scores for mood disorders and/or psychiatric disorders (neurotic or psychotic). The study reveals the importance of considering the emotional impacts associated with cancer diagnosis and treatment, considering that anxiety, depression, and psychiatric symptoms are associated with personality traits. Consequently, this emotional impact influences how each individual experiences the process of illness and treatment.