Depression in physically ill patients. Don't dismiss it as 'understandable'

Depression in the physically ill is common and may even be caused by certain physical disorders (eg, hypothyroidism, pancreatic cancer) or the use of some types of drugs. It should not be dismissed because it is "understandable" in particular situations, but rather, it should be differentiated from overlapping symptoms of the physical disorder and treated. The effect of psychosocial factors should be carefully considered.