Persly Medical TeamCan radiation therapy cause depression? Coping tips
Radiation Therapy and Depression: What to Expect and How to Cope
Radiation therapy can be associated with feeling depressed or anxious, and this is considered a common reaction during cancer treatment. [1] Feeling depressed may also worsen other symptoms such as fatigue and sleep problems, which are frequent during radiotherapy. [1] Many people report emotional distress such as sadness, worry, and feeling overwhelmed during and after radiation courses, and these feelings are recognized and supported by cancer care teams. [2] Emotional reactions are normal responses to the stress of diagnosis and treatment, and help is available. [3]
Why depression can occur
- Treatment stress and uncertainty: The process of receiving radiation, coping with side effects, and worries about outcomes can trigger depressive feelings. [2] These emotions may include sadness, helplessness, frustration, and worry, and can fluctuate over time. [3]
- Physical side effects: Fatigue, pain, nausea, diarrhea, and sleep disturbance can make mood worse or harder to manage. [1]
- Brain radiation: When radiation targets the brain, mood changes including depression can occur, and specialized support is often recommended. [4] Care teams encourage reaching out if you feel anxious or depressed during or after brain radiotherapy. [5]
How common is depression during radiotherapy?
Depression and anxiety affect a meaningful proportion of people undergoing radiotherapy, with rates varying by cancer type and timing. [PM15] Longitudinal studies in breast and head and neck cancers show that depressive symptoms can appear or intensify during the radiotherapy period and may relate to fear of cancer recurrence or treatment-related symptoms. [PM14] Fear of cancer recurrence is a major contributor to anxiety and depression during postoperative radiotherapy in breast cancer cohorts. [PM16] Hospitalized patients receiving radiotherapy also show notable psychosocial distress, highlighting the need for routine screening and support. [PM13]
Signs to watch for
- Persistent sadness or low mood, loss of interest, or feeling numb. [2]
- Fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest, trouble sleeping, or slowed thinking. [1]
- Feelings of helplessness, frustration, or intense worry. [3]
If you notice these signs for more than two weeks, or if they interfere with daily life, it’s important to let your care team know. [6]
Practical coping strategies
Talk to your care team
- Tell your radiation oncologist or nurse if you feel depressed or anxious; they can assess symptoms and guide you to appropriate support. [1] Care teams can connect you with emotional support resources available seven days a week. [6]
Get emotional support
- Meet with a social worker, psychologist, or counselor to learn coping skills and get personalized help. [7] Cancer centers offer support groups where you can share experiences and learn practical strategies from others. [7]
Manage fatigue and sleep
- Plan activities for when you have the most energy, and consider reducing workload temporarily. [8] Address pain, nausea, diarrhea, and sleep issues because they can worsen fatigue and mood; your team can treat these. [1]
Relaxation and mindfulness
- Try relaxation or meditation (guided breathing, calming music, prayer if meaningful) to reduce stress and improve sleep. [9] These practices can help you feel calmer and more in control day to day. [10]
Stay gently active
- Light, regular exercise (as tolerated) can lift mood and reduce fatigue; your team can tailor safe activity plans during treatment. [9]
Address fear of recurrence
- Discuss specific worries about cancer returning with your care team; targeted counseling can reduce anxiety and depressive symptoms related to these fears. [PM16]
When to seek more help
- If depressive symptoms persist, intensify, or include thoughts of self-harm, seek immediate professional support from your care team or emergency services. [6] Specialized programs and referrals are available for mood concerns during radiation therapy. [5]
Evidence-based treatments that may help
- Psychological therapies: Cognitive-behavioral approaches adapted for cancer care can reduce anxiety and depression and improve coping, even when integrated with rehabilitation (e.g., for swallowing issues in head and neck cancer). [PM21]
- Structured pain and coping programs: Multimodal programs blending education, relaxation, exercise training, and goal setting have shown improvements in anxiety and depression among people with treatment-related chronic pain. [PM18]
- Medications: Antidepressants may be considered when symptoms are moderate to severe; in some cases, agents like bupropion are studied for related symptoms such as cancer-related fatigue, under medical supervision. [PM19]
Partnering with your care team
Your radiation team expects and understands emotional distress during treatment and will work with you on a plan that may include screening, counseling, symptom management, lifestyle strategies, and, when appropriate, medication. [1] It’s okay to ask for help emotional health is an important part of your overall treatment and recovery. [3]
Related Questions
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Sources
- 1.^abcdefgAbout External Beam Radiation Therapy(mskcc.org)
- 2.^abcRadiation Therapy to Your Brain(mskcc.org)
- 3.^abcdRadiation Therapy to Your Chest(mskcc.org)
- 4.^↑Radiation Therapy to Your Brain(mskcc.org)
- 5.^abRadiation Therapy to Your Brain(mskcc.org)
- 6.^abcManaging Depression During Your Cancer Treatment(mskcc.org)
- 7.^abAbout External Beam Radiation Therapy(mskcc.org)
- 8.^↑About External Beam Radiation Therapy(mskcc.org)
- 9.^abAbout External Beam Radiation Therapy(mskcc.org)
- 10.^↑Radiation Therapy to Your Head and Neck(mskcc.org)
Important Notice: This information is provided for educational purposes only and is not intended to replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before making any medical decisions.