Do physical symptoms predict psychological issues in patients with cancer?: the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale-Short Form

Abstract

Objectives: This study aimed to determine if individual physical symptoms were predictive of psychological disorders.

Methods: This study was a secondary analysis of data from two studies which used the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale-Short Form (MSAS-SF) to assess both physical and psychological symptoms. Correlation between individual symptoms and the validated psychological subscale (MSAS-PSYCH) were performed using Spearman's coefficient. Linear regression analysis was performed to assess whether correlated symptoms predicted the presence of psychological disorders.

Results: 1507 patients' data were analysed. The physical symptoms of pain, lack of energy, drowsiness, dizziness, constipation, 'feeling bloated' and 'I don't look like myself' were correlated with MSAS-PSYCH. Other physical symptoms existed independently to psychological symptoms. None of these physical symptoms were independently predictive of a mood disorder.

Conclusions: This study presents a large data set evaluating psychological symptom correlations. There are certain physical symptoms which correlate with mood disorders, but these are not independently predictive. It is not known whether the correlative data are cause or effect. Comprehensive assessment remains essential to assess all problems.

Trial registration number: The trial registered was at National Institute for Health Research Clinical Research Network Portfolio (Central Portfolio Management System (CPMS) ID 30723) Integrated Research Application System Identification (IRAS) ID 198753.

Keywords: Cancer; Psychological care; Symptoms and symptom management.