Clinical Depression Common For Those With Chronic Illness
When a person is diagnosed with a chronic illness, mild periods of sadness often occur as the person adjusts to the news. However, severe states of depression in chronically ill patients can occur quite frequently and should be treated along with the medical condition.
“Clinical depression is a serious, but treatable illness, that affects millions of Americans every year,” says Dr. Boswell Tabler, psychiatrist at Clark Memorial Hospital. “Persons diagnosed with cancer, stroke, diabetes, AIDs, and arthritis commonly are treated for major depression.”
Symptoms of depression in medically patients include being withdrawn socially, trouble speaking, and refusing or performing poorly in treatments and therapies.
A variety of physical symptoms, such as headaches, palpitations, diminished sexual interest or performance, indigestion, constipation or diarrhea, or other aches and pains, may also be a sign of major depressive states.
“Unfortunately, many of these symptoms are common side effects of treatments for chronic illness or of the disease itself,” adds Dr. Tabler.
For instance, weight loss, restless sleep, and low energy can occur in depression as well as diabetes or cardiovascular disease. Patients suffering from Parkinson or Alzheimer’s diseases may show symptoms of apathy, poor concentration, and memory loss, similar to clinical depression.
Several studies indicate that between 30 to 50 percent of cases of clinical depression in chronically ill patients go undiagnosed. Many individuals who suffer from a major illness also suffer needlessly from depression as well, adds Dr. Tabler.
However, the disease is quite treatable, usually involving a combination of medications, usually an anti-depressant, and psychotherapy. In addition, the support of family and friends and a belief in a religion can also help in the treatment of depression.
“Treating the co-occurring depression can have a positive effect on the course of the medical illness,” says Dr. Tabler. “Treating the depression can help the patient concentrate on managing the chronic illness and enhance the individual’s quality of life.”
For more information on depression, please call New Directions at Clark Memorial Hospital at (812) 283-2811. Or, to e-mail a specific question to one of our health care coordinators, visit www.clarkmemorial.org and choose Ask A Nurse.
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