- Clinical Depression commonly co-occurs with general medical
illnesses, though it often goes undetected and untreated.
- The
rate of Major Depression among persons in the community is estimated to
be between 2 to 4 percent; among primary care patients it is between 5
and 10 percent; and among medical inpatients it is between 10 and 14 percent.
- An additional two to three times as many persons in these groups experience
depressive symptoms. Research suggests that recognition and treatment
of co-occurring Depression may improve the outcome of the medical condition,
enhance quality of life, and reduce the degree of pain and disability experienced
by the medical patient.
- Clinical Depression is a common and highly
treatable illness affecting over 17 million American adults—with
or without a co-occurring condition—each
year. Unfortunately, nearly two-thirds of them do not get treatment, in part,
because the effects of Depression are not understood to be symptoms of an
illness. With proper treatment; however, nearly 80 percent of those with
depressive illness can feel better, most within a matter of weeks.
- Depression
affects mood, thought, body, and behavior. For some, it occurs in one of
the more relatively severe episodes known as Major Depression. Others have
ongoing, less severe but also debilitating symptoms known as Dysthymia.
Still others have Bipolar Disorder (also known as Manic Depressive Illness),
with cycles of terrible “lows” and excessive “highs.”
- If five or more symptoms last for two weeks or longer, or are
severe enough to interfere with normal functioning, an evaluation for Clinical
Depression by a qualified health or mental health professional is recommended.
Symptoms
| Depression |
Mania |
- Persistent sad, anxious or empty mood
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities, including sex
- Irritability or excessive crying
- Chronic aches and pains activity
- Sleep disturbances
- Eating disturbances
- Decreased energy and fatigue
- Thoughts of death or suicide
- Difficulty with concentration, memory, or making decisions
- Feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness, hopelessness, pessimism
|
- Excessively “high” mood
- Irritability
- Decreased need for sleep
- Increased talking, moving, and sexual
- Increased energy and activity
- Racing thoughts
- Poor judgment or decision-making
- Grandiose notions
- Being easily distracted
|
Causes
- Symptoms of Depression such as weight loss, sleep disturbances,
and low energy may also occur with Diabetes, Thyroid Disorders, some
Neurologic Disorders, Heart Disease, Cancer, and Stroke.
- Loss
of interest or memory also occur early in the course of disorders such
as Parkinson's and Alzheimer’s diseases.
- Achiness or fatigue
may be present in many other conditions. In such cases, careful assessment
of an individual’s emotional state and
personal and family histories can help determine if one or two illnesses
are present.
- Depression can occur as the biological result of a
condition such as an under-active thyroid, or can be the side-effect of one
or a combination of medications, including over-the-counter medications.
In such cases, the Depression may be relieved by a change in dosage or type
of treatment(s). On the other hand, it is not unusual for a traumatic diagnosis,
such as Cancer, to trigger a period of depressive symptomatology including
sadness, poor concentration, anxiety, or withdrawal. Careful monitoring of
the length and severity of depressive symptoms can determine if Clinical
Depression is an additional diagnosis.
Treatments
- When depressive illness is a co-occurring condition, it should
be treated. With treatment, up to 80 percent of those with Depression
can show improvement, usually in a matter of weeks.
- Common interventions
include a range of antidepressant medications, focused short-term psychotherapy,
or a combination of the two.
- In special circumstances, Electro-convulsive
Therapy (ECT), a safe and effective treatment, may be considered as an
option. Which treatment is recommended depends on the severity of the
Depression, the type of co-occurring illness and its treatment, and to
some degree, an individual preference.
- Maximizing the treatment
of the medical disorder may also help to diminish the depressive symptoms.
- Treatment
of Depression can improve a patient’s overall quality
of life in several ways. It may enhance the ability to follow the treatment
regimen for the co-occurring medical condition, decreasing complications,
and improving the eventual outcome.
- Effective management of Depression
can lessen the degree to which the patient is irritable, demanding, or
experiences overall problems in functioning; any of which may contribute
to slower or more difficult recovery, and greater stress and disability
from the medical condition.
- Controlling the Depression will often
improve the cognitive symptoms that are a part of some illnesses.
- Success
involves a partnership with a health care provider so that an individual’s
concerns can be addressed.
- Negative thinking is a part of the
Depression that will fade as symptoms resolve.
- Family and friends
can help by encouraging the depressed person to seek or remain in treatment
and by offering emotional support.
- The following may be helpful
adjuncts to treatment: support groups, mild exercise or hobbies,
reading self-help materials.
Information in this fact sheet provided by the National Institute of Mental
Health
If you or someone you know would like more information on
mental illness or wish to request an educational presentation, please contact:
NAMI IOWA (Alliance for the Mentally Ill
of Iowa)
5911 Meredith Drive Suite E
Des Moines IA 50322-1903
Phone: (515) 254-0417 or (800) 417-0417 IOWA ONLY
Fax: (515) 254-1103
Email: info@namiiowa.com
