Objective Depression and anxiety are common in hospitalized patients. In particular, oncological patients might be vulnerable to depression and anxiety. The aim of this study is to assess and compare different variables and the prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms between oncological and medically ill inpatients and to identify variables that can influence depressive and anxious symptoms during hospitalization of patients. Methods A total of 360 consecutive hospitalized patients completed the following questionnaires: Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS), Patients Health Questionnaire‐9, General Health Questionnaire (GHQ‐12), 12‐Item Short‐Form Survey: physical component summary (PCS), and mental component summary (MCS). Patients were divided into oncological patients and non‐oncological patients: groups 1 and 2. Results Only two significant differences were evident between the groups: the PCS of 12‐item Short‐form Survey was higher in non‐oncological patient (p < 0.000), and the GHQ total score was higher in oncological patients. Variables significantly associated with HADS‐D ≥ 8 were lower MCS, higher GHQ‐12 score, lower PCS, more numerous previous hospitalizations, longer duration of hospitalization, and positive psychiatric family history. Variables significantly associated with HADS‐A ≥ 8 were lower MCS, higher GHQ‐12 score, positive psychiatric family history, longer duration of hospitalization, and younger age. Conclusions Anxiety and depression symptoms in concurrent general medical conditions were associated with a specific sociodemographic profile, and this association has implications for clinical care. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.