This erratum corrects calculation errors in tables and clarifies statements regarding psychological distress in low-grade glioma patients. Key findings remain unchanged, confirming that 22.1% of patients exhibit increased distress, with significant associations to pre-existing psychiatric disorders and lack of psychotropic medication.
Background
Low-grade glioma (LGG) patients often experience psychological distress, including anxiety and depression, which can impact quality of life and treatment outcomes. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) is a common screening tool used to assess these symptoms. Accurate data reporting is essential to identify risk factors and guide psychooncological support in this population.
Data Highlights
Measure
Number of Patients (n)
Percentage (%)
Mean Score
95% Confidence Interval
Significant Associations (p-value)
Increased distress (HADS-T)
32
22.1
1.21
1.15–1.28
Pre-existing psychiatric disorders (0.003), Lack of psychotropic medication (0.029)
Increased depression (HADS-D)
25
17.4
4.67
3.85–7.4
Having children (0.023), Pre-existing psychiatric disorders (≤0.001), Lack of antidepressant drugs (≤0.001)
Increased anxiety (HADS-A)
25
17.4
5.73
4.98–6.48
Female gender (≤0.001), Having children (0.044), Pre-existing psychiatric disorders (≤0.001), Lack of antidepressant drugs (0.002)
Distress Thermometer (DT) ≥5
84
56.4
-
-
Sensitivity 84.6%, Specificity 45.0%
Key Findings
22.1% of LGG patients showed increased psychological distress measured by HADS-T.
17.4% had increased depression scores (HADS-D), associated with having children, pre-existing psychiatric disorders, and no history of antidepressant use.
17.4% had increased anxiety scores (HADS-A), significantly higher in females, patients with children, those with psychiatric history, and those without antidepressant medication.
Patients with pre-existing psychiatric disorders and those lacking psychotropic medication were more likely to experience increased distress.
The Distress Thermometer showed higher sensitivity (84.6%) but lower specificity (45.0%) compared to HADS-T for detecting distress.
19 patients with prior mental disorders and 12 without prior history showed conspicuous HADS results, highlighting the importance of psychiatric history in distress risk.
Clinical Implications
Clinicians should routinely screen LGG patients for psychological distress using validated tools like HADS and consider psychiatric history and medication status when assessing risk. Early identification of distress can facilitate timely psychooncological interventions, potentially improving patient outcomes and quality of life.
Conclusion
Despite minor corrections to data tables, the study confirms that a significant subset of LGG patients experience psychological distress, predominantly influenced by psychiatric history and psychotropic medication use. These findings underscore the need for integrated mental health support in neuro-oncological care.
