Feeling depressed, sad or blue on occasion is a common experience and is a normal reaction to life’s difficulties or losses. However, sometimes the depressed feelings last for long periods of time, intensify and interfere with daily life. Depression is common among individuals with a chronic disease or an enduring health condition.
Chronic Disease
A chronic disease is defined as one lasting longer than three months and is usually not completely cured, according to an article in the December 15, 1997 issue of “Annals of Internal Medicine.” Diabetes, arthritis, heart disease, HIV/AIDS, Parkinson’s disease and multiple sclerosis are examples of chronic diseases. Healthy lifestyle behaviors, such as healthy eating and regular physical activity, and medication can help improve chronic conditions.
Symptoms of Depression
Depression may be overlooked, as feeling depressed is assumed to be a typical reaction for an individual who has a chronic disease. Some symptoms of depression include depressed mood, loss of interest or pleasure in activities, sleeping difficulties, fatigue, appetite changes and impaired concentration, according to the American Psychiatric Association.
Relationship Between Chronic Disease and Depression
Many individuals with a chronic disease experience depression. Sometimes the side effects of a medication or the physical effects of an illness may cause depression. In many cases, lifestyle changes and physical limitations impact mood and self-perception, as described in a review of research in the October 2002 issue of “Journal of Psychosomatic Research.” A chronic illness makes demands on those with a long-lasting health condition. Individuals with a chronic disease must adjust to the treatment protocols, which usually means taking medications daily or several times a day, attending frequent medical appointments and making lifestyle changes, such as eating more healthy or giving up smoking. Having an enduring illness can also interfere with independence, mobility and engaging in activities, especially if the condition causes pain, fatigue or impaired movement. Depression often exacerbates the symptoms of the chronic illness and may intensify pain and fatigue. An individual with a chronic disease and depression may isolate himself from others, which may worsen the symptoms of depression. These life changes and limitations can lead to stress, a decrease in self-confidence and a sense of hopelessness.
Risk of Developing Depression
Individuals with a chronic disease are at a greater risk of developing depression than people without a long-lasting health condition, according to a study published in the September 8, 2007 issue of “Lancet.” The risk of developing depression increases with the severity of the chronic illness and the degree of life disruption caused by the condition.
Treatment
The treatment of depression in individuals with a chronic disease is similar to treatment of depression in others. For many, depression treatment improves quality of life. If a medication or physical effect of the illness is the contributor to depressive symptoms, an adjustment in treatment protocol may be necessary. When the depression results from other factors, the depression can be treated with medication, psychotherapy or a combination of both.
References
- Annals of Internal Medicine”; Collaborative Management of Chronic Illness; Michael Von Korff, Sc.D., Jessie Gruman, Ph.D. Judith Schaefer, Susan Curry, Ph.D. and Edward Wagner, M.D.
- “Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th Edition, Text Revision”; American Psychiatric Association; 2002.
- “Journal of Psychosomatic Research”; Impact of Major Depression on Chronic Medical Illness; Wayne Katon, M.D. and Paul Ciechanowski, M.D.; October 2002.
