The psychosocial impact of prostate cancer on patients and their partners

Abstract

Objective: To assess the psychosocial impact of the diagnosis of either localised or metastatic prostate cancer (PCA) on patients and their female partners. Design: Observational, prospective study at Time 1 and 6 months later at Time 2 of two groups of couples facing PCA. Time 1 was when patients were first diagnosed with histologically confirmed localised (potentially curable) PCA or metastatic (incurable) PCA. Main outcome measures: Depression and anxiety disorders according to the Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders 4th edition (DSM-IV); psychological distress; marital satisfaction. Results: At Time 1, partners had rates of DSM-IV major depression and generalised anxiet..