Mental Health Concerns in Low-Grade Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

What does research show about mental health challenges in people with low-grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma?

Mental health is a key part of overall health, especially for those living with long-term conditions like low-grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma (LG-NHL). National data from 2020 shows that 1 in 5 people experiences a mental health condition. New research presented at the 2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Meeting analyzed the rates of mental illness, specifically in people with LG-NHL. The findings highlight the importance of recognizing and addressing mental health concerns as part of comprehensive care for individuals living with LG-NHL.

Mental Health Conditions at the Time of Diagnosis

To better understand the prevalence of mental health conditions, a study (link) analyzed insurance claims from over 36,000 people newly diagnosed with LG-NHL. Researchers found that around 30% of study participants already had a diagnosed mental health condition at the time of their LG-NHL diagnosis. The most common mental health conditions among study participants were anxiety, depression, insomnia, and stress-related adjustment disorder.

Mental Health Conditions After Diagnosis

Chronic conditions like LG-NHL that require ongoing medical treatment, limit daily activities, and can have a negative impact on mental health. 

The research showed that up to 26% of participants were diagnosed with a mental health condition after receiving a diagnosis. Together with those already living with mental health conditions, about half of all people with LG-NHL had at least one mental health condition either before or after their cancer diagnosis.  Among those with mental health diagnoses, anxiety was found in up to 38% of people, and depression in up to 32%. Trouble sleeping and adjustment issues were also common.

Higher Health Care Use and Costs

In general, treating mental health conditions costs the U.S. healthcare system billions of dollars each year. Despite the prevalence and cost of mental health conditions, they remain a low priority for funding compared to other conditions.  

Living with low-grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma can place both emotional and physical demands on a person, often increasing the need for medical support.  The study found that participants with LG-NHL who had mental health conditions used healthcare services at higher rates and thus had higher healthcare costs than those without mental health conditions. For example, among individuals with chronic lymphocytic leukemia or small lymphocytic lymphoma (types of LG-NHL), those with mental health conditions had:

• 1.4 times the number of outpatient visits
• 3 times the number of inpatient visits
• 2 times the overall health care costs

More research exploring additional factors such as physical health, type of treatment, and access to support services will help to better understand the relationship between mental health conditions and LG-NHL.  

Including mental health treatment as part of routine care enhances overall well-being and helps ensure that individuals receive support that addresses the full scope of their needs

Screening for Mental Health Conditions Early

Greater awareness around mental health in people with blood cancer leads to more conversations, better screening, and timely referrals to professionals who can help. When mental health concerns are addressed early, people often report better coping skills, improved quality of life, and stronger engagement in their treatment. Access to support to address issues with stress, mood changes, and sleep can make a meaningful impact on how people navigate their care and maintain good mental health over time. 

If you are living with a blood cancer and would like to contribute to real-world research that can improve outcomes by sharing your experience, you can participate in simple surveys through HealthTree Cure Hub

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Sources: 

Patients With Low-Grade NHL Experience High Rates of Mental Health Conditions 

Clinical and financial burden of mental health (MH) conditions in patients (pts) with low-grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma (LG-NHL). 

Association of Mental Health Disorders With Health Care Spending in the Medicare Population

SAMHSA Mental Health: Get the Facts