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Treatment and the treatment process

Leukemia + depression or anxiety

People with depression or an anxiety disorder deserve extra support during leukaemia treatment.

Last updated: ~1 min read
Light behind a cloud
Figure 1.Light behind a cloud.

01Short answer

Diagnosis and treatment can weigh on mood. Antidepressants and calming medicines can interact with some leukaemia medicines, antibiotics and anti-sickness medicines. Steroids can also affect sleep and mood. A psychiatrist or psychologist can work together with your haematologist.

02Simple explanation

Tell both doctors. Your haematologist and your mental health doctor.

Medicine list. Bring it to every visit.

Your own medicines. Do not stop them unless told.

Symptoms. Report changes early.

03Scientific explanation

Interactions: some antidepressants affect heart rhythm or bleeding risk.

Steroid effects: sleeplessness, irritability or mood swings.

04What happens in the body?

Depression and anxiety and leukaemia

People with depression and anxiety can receive leukaemia treatment; the plan is simply adjusted.

What may change

Treatment and depression and anxiety can affect each other, so check-ups may be more frequent.

Two chairs for a talk
Figure 2.Two chairs for a talk.

Two teams together

When your haematologist and mental health doctor share information, treatment is safer.

A feelings notebook
Figure 3.A feelings notebook.

05Treatment with depression and anxiety

Four steps.

Tell — Both doctors.1TellBoth doctors.
List — Medicines.2ListMedicines.
Checks — As planned.3ChecksAs planned.
Symptoms — Report early.4SymptomsReport early.

06What to watch for

SignWhat it may beWhat to do
Low mood for more than two weeksDepressionTell your team
Sleeplessness, worryAnxiety or steroidsTell your team
Thoughts of self-harmEmergency103/112

07Key terms

Depression
Lasting sadness and loss of interest.
Psycho-oncologist
A specialist in psychological support for people with cancer.
Haematologist
Doctor for blood diseases.
Medicine list
All medicines and supplements.

08Key points

  • Inform both doctors.
  • Keep your medicine list updated.
  • Do not stop your own medicines yourself.
  • Ask before any new medicine.
  • For food, see the general rules (“Handwashing: the simplest protection” and “Eggs and dairy: safe choices”).
  • Keep your check-ups.

09Frequently asked questions

Should I stop my antidepressant?

No; stopping suddenly can be harmful, talk to your doctor first.

Is leukaemia treatment possible?

Often yes; the plan may be adjusted.

Should I keep my own medicines?

Yes, unless a doctor says otherwise.

10Questions for your doctor

Take these questions to your appointment. The ones you save are collected on the “My questions” page and stay on this device only.

  1. Should I stop my antidepressant?

  2. Is leukaemia treatment possible?

  3. Should I keep my own medicines?

My questions

12Sources

  1. MedlinePlus. Depression
  2. MedlinePlus. Anxiety
  3. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Depression (PDQ) – Patient Version
  4. National Cancer Institute (NCI). Anxiety and Distress (PDQ) – Patient Version
  5. New England Journal of Medicine, 2016. Inotuzumab Ozogamicin versus Standard Therapy for Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
  6. New England Journal of Medicine, 2017. Blinatumomab versus Chemotherapy for Advanced Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
  7. New England Journal of Medicine, 2018. Tisagenlecleucel in Children and Young Adults with B-Cell Lymphoblastic Leukemia
  8. MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Peripherally inserted central catheter — flushing
  9. World Health Organization (WHO). Blood safety and availability
  10. Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2020. Antiemetics: ASCO Guideline Update
Medical disclaimerThis information is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice.
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