Twenty-four RCTs out of the 45 studies included in the primary systematic review reported on psychological outcomes (which included depression and anxiety) during treatment for menopausal symptoms in women with a history of breast cancer. Although 21 studies used validated instruments to measure different aspects of psychological wellbeing, only six used measures recommended for use in a breast cancer population.
No systematic reviews were identified in the supplementary evidence review that included reporting of depression or anxiety as an outcome of interest.
Due to the poor quality of the identified studies (e.g. study/outcome design, low statistical power, and inappropriate patient populations) formal Evidence Summaries have not been developed for depression and anxiety. However, a summary of the findings from the included studies is presented below.