Patterns and predictors of anxiety and depression symptom trajectories in patients with primary brain tumors

Patients with primary brain tumors (PBTs) often exhibit heightened distress. A study at the University of Florida (Gainesville) found that among PBT patients at diagnosis 51.2% and 32.3% exhibited clinically elevated levels of anxiety and depression, respectively. Of patients with follow-up data, 54.1% and 50% experienced clinically meaningful increases in anxiety and depression scores, respectively. Better physical, functional and FACT-Brain well being predicted lower levels of anxiety and depression (p<0.001). Latent class growth analysis found five subgroups of patients with distinct symptom trajectories. The authors conclude that among PBT patients routine screening for elevated anxiety and depression symptoms is needed to capture clinically meaningful changes.