Onkologie. 2025:19(3):124-130 | DOI: 10.36290/xon.2025.024

Anxiety, depression, and delirium in hospital palliative care - a brief overview

Tereza Foretová, Miroslav Žiaran

Komplexní onkologické centrum Pardubického kraje, Multiscan, s. r. o., Pardubická krajská nemocnice

Oddělení klinické a radiační onkologie, Nemocnice Pardubice

One of the fundamental objectives of palliative care is to ensure patient comfort and enhance quality of life in the context of incurable illness. While clinical attention has traditionally centred on the management of physical symptoms, the significance of psychological well-being should not be underestimated. Mental health constitutes an integral component of comprehensive palliative care, influencing the overall care trajectory. Anxiety, depression, and delirium represent the most prevalent psychiatric disorders encountered in palliative settings, each exerting a substantial impact on patients and their families. Despite their high prevalence, these conditions are frequently underdiagnosed or inadequately treated. This review aims to summarize current knowledge on the clinical features, prevalence, and diagnostic challenges associated with anxiety, depression, and delirium in palliative care as well as an overview of pharmacological and non-pharmacological treatment options. This article is intended as a concise resource for inpatient healthcare professionals engaged in palliative and supportive care. Given the scope of the topic, the aim is not to provide an exhaustive or detailed review.

Keywords: palliative care, anxiety, depression, delirium.

Accepted: June 26, 2025; Published: July 4, 2025  Show citation