Nonpsychiatric disorders associated with depression

Although depression is recognized as a common problem in primary care, that it is frequently associated with nonpsychiatric disorders is not well known. In this study, the charts of all 157 patients at a university family practice center diagnosed with depression during a 12-month period were reviewed retrospectively. In addition to demographic data, the presence of nonpsychiatric conditions known to be associated with depression and the physician's initial diagnosis were determined and statistically analyzed. At least one associated nonpsychiatric disorder was evident in 47.8 percent of the patients. The use of at least one drug known to be associated with depression was noted in 43.3 percent of the patients. Yet, only 7.6 percent of the charts indicated a recognition by the physicians that the patients had an associated nonpsychiatric disorder. Those which were recognized tended to have endocrine disorders. By increasing physician sensitivity, coupled with a complete history and physical examination, a greater number of these nonpsychiatric conditions can be diagnosed. Treatment of the contributing disorder may alleviate the depressive symptomatology.