Psychosocial adjustment of women with mastalgia

Psychosocial adjustment of 54 women with mastalgia referred to a breast unit has been assessed using standardized interviews and questionnaires. Patients with severe mastalgia (n = 33) experienced significantly more depression, anxiety and social dysfunction than those with non-severe mastalgia (n = 21). The levels of anxiety and depression observed among patients with severe mastalgia were similar to those of a group of patients with operable breast cancer on the morning of their operation (n = 32). 29 of the patients with severe mastalgia, who were treated with the GnRH analogue, goserelin (3.6 mg given monthly for 6 courses), underwent further psychosocial assessment after treatment. Patients experiencing severe pain 10 months after starting treatment showed no improvement in their psychosocial functioning. Levels of depression and social impairment were statistically significantly improved among those patients who had pain reduction. Their levels of anxiety also improved, but remained high after treatment and were similar to those in women who were still experiencing severe pain. Both psychosocial and physical needs of patients with severe mastalgia must be addressed as part of an effective and comprehensive management approach.