Depression and physical illness

Abstract

Depressive symptoms frequently accompany physical illness, but the association between the two is complex. The combination has detrimental implications for the patient's health outcome, quality of life, medical treatment and health care use. The presence of physical symptoms of the medical illness can lead to challenges in recognising and diagnosing depression. This is best dealt with by placing greater emphasis on the psychological symptoms of depression. Recognition may be improved through use of appropriate screening tools for depression in medically ill patients. The management of depression in the setting of medical illness involves both general and specific approaches. General approach..