Depression Co-Occurring with General Medical Disorders

Accurate Diagnosis Is Important

Since some symptoms are common to both depression and certain medical disorders, accurate diagnosis is critical to developing an effective plan for treatment. For example, symptoms of depression such as weight loss, sleep disturbances, and low energy, may also occur in diabetes, thyroid disorders, some neurologic disorders, heart disease, cancer, and stroke. Other depressive symptoms, such as loss of interest or memory, also occur early in the course of disorders such as Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease. In addition, achiness or fatigue may be present in many other conditions. In such cases, careful assessment of an individual's emotional state, and personal and family histories can help determine if one or two illnesses are present.

Other Diagnostic Concerns

The relationship of clinical depression to a medical illness can be varied. Depression can occur as the biological result of a condition such as an underactive thyroid, or can be the side-effect of one or a combination of medications, including over-the-counter medications. In such cases, the depression may be relieved by a change in dosage or type of treatment(s). On the other hand, it is not unusual for a traumatic diagnosis, such as cancer, to trigger a period of depressive symptomatology including sadness, poor concentration, anxiety, or withdrawal. Careful monitoring of the length and severity of depressive symptoms can determine if clinical depression is an additional diagnosis.

A Message of Hope: Depression Is Treatable

When depressive illness is a co-occurring condition, it should be treated. With treatment, up to 80% of those with depression can show improvement, usually in a matter of weeks. Common interventions include a range of antidepressant medications, focused short-term psychotherapy, or a combination of the two. In addition, in special circumstances, electro-convulsive therapy (ECT), a safe and effective treatment, may be considered as an option. Which treatment is recommended depends on the severity of the depression, the type of co-occurring illness and its treatment, and, to some degree, on individual preference. In addition, maximizing the treatment of the medical disorder may also help to diminish the depressive symptoms.

Treatment of Depression Has Added Benefits

Treatment of depression can improve a patient's overall quality of life in several ways. It may enhance the ability to follow the treatment regimen for the co-occurring medical condition, decreasing complications and improving the eventual outcome. In addition, effective management of depression can lessen the degree to which the patient is irritable, demanding, or experiences overall problems in functioning, any of which may contribute to slower or more difficult recovery, and greater stress and disability from the medical condition. Finally, controlling the depression will often improve the cognitive symptoms that are a part of some illnesses.

The Path To Healing

Whether or not it co-occurs with medical illness, overcoming depression requires recognition of symptoms, and evaluation and treatment by a qualified health or mental health professional. Success involves a partnership with a health care provider so that an individual's concerns can be addressed. Negative thinking is a part of the depression that will fade as symptoms resolve. Family and friends can help by encouraging the depressed person to seek or remain in treatment, and by offering emotional support. In addition, the following may be helpful adjuncts to treatment: support groups, mild exercise or hobbies, reading self-help materials.

Depression: Treat it. Defeat it.

co-occurrence index

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