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Depression in physical illnesses.
Psychiatric Journal of the University of Ottawa : Revue De Psychiatrie De L'Universite D'Ottawa
|June 1, 1989
Summary
Depression frequently occurs in general hospitals due to underlying medical conditions. Diagnosis relies on psychological symptoms, as physical signs can be misleading. Treatment mirrors that for primary depression.
Area of Science:
- Medical and psychiatric comorbidities
- Clinical psychology and psychiatry
Background:
- Depression is a frequent diagnosis in general hospital settings.
- Medical illnesses like endocrine disorders, neurological conditions, and cancer can present with or complicate depression.
- Traditional 'vegetative' signs of depression are unreliable in medically ill patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To highlight the diagnostic challenges of depression in medically ill patients.
- To emphasize the importance of psychological criteria for diagnosing depression in this population.
- To outline treatment principles for depression secondary to physical illness.
Main Methods:
- Review of diagnostic criteria for depression in nonpsychiatric hospital settings.
- Comparison of diagnostic reliability of 'vegetative' versus 'psychological' symptoms.
- Analysis of treatment approaches for secondary depression.
Main Results:
- 'Vegetative' signs of depression are unreliable in patients with coexisting medical diseases.
- 'Psychological' criteria are essential for accurate depression diagnosis in these cases.
- Treatment strategies for depression secondary to physical illness align with those for primary depressive disorders.
Conclusions:
- Accurate diagnosis of depression in general hospitals requires focusing on psychological symptoms.
- Effective management of secondary depression involves established clinical and pharmacological treatments.