Comorbidity of depression, anxiety, and fatigue in cancer patients receiving psychological care

Introduction: This study aimed to examine: (1) subgroups of cancer patients with distinct comorbidity patterns of depression, anxiety, and fatigue, (2) how individuals transitioned between these patterns, and (3) whether socio-demographic, clinical, and psychological care characteristics distinguished patients’ transitions. Methods: This naturalistic, longitudinal study focused on 241 cancer patients receiving psycho-oncological care in the Netherlands. Data were collected before initiation of psychological care (T1), three (T2) and nine months thereafter (T3). Latent transition analysis was performed examining research questions. Results: Three distinct comorbidity patterns were identified: class 1 (‘mood disturbances and fatigue’), class 2 (‘mood disturbances’), and class 3 (‘few symptoms of mood disturbances and fatigue’). Half of those in class 1 remained in this group from T1 to T3, a quarter transitioned to class 2, and another quarter to class 3. Baseline physical symptoms distinguished these transitions: those with more physical symptoms tended to remain stable. Half of patients in class 2 remained stable from T1 to T3, 46% moved into class 3, and 8% into class 1. Baseline physical symptoms and years after cancer diagnosis significantly distinguished these transitions: the 8% moving to class 1 had more physical symptoms and were longer after cancer diagnosis. Most patients in class 3 remained stable from T1 to T3, and predictors of transitions could not be examined. Conclusions: Three distinct comorbidity patterns of depression, anxiety, and fatigue were identified, and exhibited different symptom courses longitudinally. Those with poor physical health tended to report elevated mood disturbances and fatigue during psychological care.