A Research Study Review of Effectiveness of Treatments for Psychiatric Conditions Common to End-Stage Cancer Patients: Needs Assessment for Future Research and an Impassioned Plea - A Commentary and Controversy

Abstract

End stage cancer involves particular psychiatric conditions and their treatments that have varying degrees of effectiveness. This Commentary article covers a recent comprehensive and detailed literature review research study report centered on treatment effectiveness that also includes a methodological controversy and its resolution in which the study was involved. The resolution of this methodological controversy and mixed-method approach has far reaching implications for how these kind of studies are conducted in the future, which have substantial power to inform mental health administration and policy making. This commentary also reviews important highlights from the studies’ conclusions.