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Depression in the medically ill: diagnostic and therapeutic implications
Meera Narasimhan1, Jeffrey D Raynor, Ashley Blackmon Jones
1Office of Biological Research, Department of Neuropsychiatry and Behavioral Science, University of South Carolina School of Medicine, Medical Park, 3555 Harden Street Extension, Columbia, SC 29203, USA. MNARASIM@gw.mp.sc.edu
Current Psychiatry Reports
|July 26, 2008
Summary
Treating depression in medically ill patients improves health outcomes and quality of life. Collaborative care models are cost-effective and enhance depression treatment response.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Internal Medicine
- Health Services Research
Background:
- Depression and medical comorbidities increase morbidity, mortality, and healthcare costs.
- A bidirectional relationship exists between depressive disorders and medical illnesses, impacting disease course and risk.
- Limited randomized controlled trials exist for treatment-related prognostic issues in this population.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the common pathophysiology and neurobiologic substrates of the bidirectional relationship between depression and medical illnesses.
- To review diagnostic and treatment implications for depression in medically ill patients.
- To evaluate the effectiveness of collaborative care models.
Main Methods:
- Exploratory research into common pathophysiology and neurobiology.
- Review of pharmacologic and psychotherapeutic treatment modalities.
- Analysis of collaborative care models integrating mental and primary healthcare.
Main Results:
- Early identification and treatment of depression in medically ill patients positively influence medical outcomes and quality of life.
- Collaborative care models are cost-effective.
- Patient preference is a key factor in treatment response.
Conclusions:
- Addressing depression in medically ill individuals is crucial for improving overall health.
- Integrated care approaches, considering patient preferences, offer a promising and cost-effective strategy.
- Further research is needed, but current evidence supports proactive depression management in this population.
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