Depression as a comorbid disease

Abstract:

Depressive disorder, one of the five most common disorders encountered by the physician in family medicine, is common in patients suffering from other illnesses, especially chronic illnesses. The prevalence of depressive disorder in these patients many times higher compared to the prevalence in the general population and ranges from 8-60%. Depression has a strong independent effect on health outcomes. An increase in the incidence of depression could also be associated with an increase in the incidence of chronic diseases. In more than 50% of cases, depressive disorder is unrecognized. The approach to depression in physical illness is particularly difficult due to overlapping symptoms, and in the treatment of patients it is necessary to assess drug interactions and the effect of specific antidepressants on the pathophysiological processes of comorbid disease. Comprehensive treatment involves the application of psychotherapeutic techniques. In order to improve health outcomes, routine search and timely treatment of depression in patients with chronic diseases is required.

 

Key words:
depression; chronic diseases; antidepressants; psychotherapy