Depression-Doctor.com: Depression Quiz

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About Depression

Symptoms

Causes

Diagnosis

Treatment

Depression in Women

Depression in Men

Depression in Older Adults

Depression in Children

Teen Depression

Depression Prevention

Depression and Suicide

Depression during Pregnancy

Diabetes and Depression

Depression Can Co-Occur with Other Illnesses and Medical Conditions

Some symptoms of depression also occur in other medical conditions. For example, weight loss, sleep disturbance, and low energy also occur in diabetes and heart disease; apathy, poor concentration, and memory loss are also found in Parkinson's and Alzheimer's diseases; and achiness or fatigue may be present in many other conditions. To determine the proper diagnosis, a physician must conduct a thorough evaluation, keeping in mind that depressed older people are more likely to complain of such physical problems rather than expressing sad, anxious, or hopeless feelings.

In addition, fatigue, high or low mood, sedation, and difficulty with memory or concentration can be depressive symptoms but can also occur as side effects of medication. The current medications taken by an individual should also be evaluated in determining the diagnosis.

Depression often co-occurs with medical, psychiatric, and substance abuse disorders, though it is frequently unrecognized and untreated. This can lead to unnecessary suffering since depression is usually treatable, even when it co-occurs with other disorders.

Medical Illnesses and depression

Depression occurs at higher than average rates in heart attack and cancer patients, persons with diabetes, and post-stroke patients. Untreated depression can interfere with the patient's ability to follow the necessary treatment regimen or to participate in a rehabilitation program. It may also increase impairment from the medical disorder and impede its improvment.

Psychiatric Illnesses and depression

Depression also occurs more frequently in persons with other psychiatric disorders, especially anxiety disorders. In such cases, detection of depression can result in more effective treatment and a better outcome for the patient.

Substance Abuse Disorders and depression

Substance abuse disorders (including alcohol and prescription drugs) frequently co-exist with depression. Substance use must be discontinued in order to clarify the diagnosis and maximize the effectiveness of psychiatric interventions. Additional treatment is necessary if the depression remains after the substance use and withdrawal effects have ended.

Individuals or family members with concerns about the co-occurence of depression with another illness should discuss these issues with the physician.

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