Understanding masked depression: A Clinical scenario

Masked depression is often misdiagnosed due to the predominance of somatic symptoms and is further complicated by lack of awareness among doctors.

The present survey was conducted to gather the views of psychiatrists and nonpsychiatrists regarding presentation and management aspects of masked depression. This may help in unmasking this condition and facilitate early identification and appropriate management of patients presenting with this condition.

This questionnaire-based survey was conducted as an interview through computer-aided telephonic interview among 300 doctors (150 psychiatrists and 150 nonpsychiatrists) across India.

Both psychiatrists and nonpsychiatrists reported a high prevalence of somatic symptoms among patients with masked depression. Nonpsychiatrists (44%) more often than psychiatrists (20%) noted chronic pain in the majority of patients with masked depression. Psychiatrists (31%) more often than nonpsychiatrists (9%) noted lack of concentration in the majority of patients with masked depression. Sexual dysfunction among young patients and noncompliance to therapy for chronic illness were considered as potential predictors of masked depression. There was a general agreement among psychiatrists and nonpsychiatrists that medical liaising is beneficial for the management of patients with masked depression.

Both psychiatrists and nonpsychiatrists agree that somatic symptoms are commonly encountered in patients with masked depression. However, these somatic symptoms are often interpreted as physical illness rather than as an entity of depression which creates an unmet need in terms of managing masked depression, especially by nonpsychiatrists.