Diagnosing and Treating Depression in Head and Neck Cancer Patients

Dr. Gourin agreed that otolaryngologists need to treat depression in their patients in ways similar to those they use to treat other comorbid conditions. “We treat hypothyroidism in our patients; we should approach depression the same way,” she said.

She also emphasized the fact that otolaryngologists are increasingly on the front lines of care and need to coordinate multidisciplinary care for patients. “It really is incumbent upon us to recognize and look for depression in high risk patients, which includes patients with head and neck cancer,” she said.

Mary Beth Nierengarten is a freelance medical writer in Minnesota.