The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that an estimated 80 percent of people with depression also experience functional impairments in work and home life. Severe depression can decrease quality of life and is often a co-occurring condition with chronic medical disorders. Depression is a likely symptom of medical conditions such as heart disease.
Symptom Recognition
Untreated depression increases the risk of poor prognosis of co-occurring medical conditions. MayoClinic.com notes that although a typical symptom of depression is feeling hopeless and disinterest in life, this is perpetuated by poor self-care habits. In the presence of medical conditions, people experiencing depression may not seek treatment for the depression or appropriately manage medical symptoms as directed. The American College of Physicians explains that recognizing symptoms of depression in people with serious medical conditions is important in order to treat both conditions because depression affects the regulation of physiological processes. Improved quality of life and maintenance of medical conditions increases in patients who are treated for depression.
Heart Disease
The Cleveland Clinic notes that between 15 and 20 percent of patients with heart disease experience major depression. The impact of depression on heart health further causes damage due to increased risk of high blood pressure and a weakened immune system. If depression goes untreated after heart surgery, the risk of poor outcome, heart attack or death increases significantly. Early detection of depressive symptoms through medical screenings and treatment for symptoms is crucial for maintaining heart health.
Maintaining Physical and Mental Health
Depression is a clinical condition that is helped through medical and psychological interventions. MayoClinic.com explains that in order to maintain good physical health in the presence of depression, both mental and physical conditions must be treated. Ways to improve symptoms of depression involve taking an active stance in seeking health care and following medically prescribed directives. The University of Michigan Depression Center suggests that in addition to medical recommendations, health can be maintained through obtaining support, improving lifestyle through exercise and nutrition, and cessation of alcohol or drug use.
References
- American College of Physicians: Can Treating Depression Improve Disease Outcomes?
- University of Michigan Depression Center: Depression and Other Medical Conditions
- MayoClinic.com: Depression
- Cleveland Clinic: Depression and Heart Disease
- National Institute of Mental Health: Women and Depressionenters for Disease Control and Prevention: Depression in the United States Household Population
