Program & Services

Depression with Other Disorders

Depression is a serious illness. It can be treated. The chance of depression is sometimes bigger in people with a bad medical illness. The warning signs are a lot of times not seen. People think it is normal to feel depressed when they are sick. Signs of depression can be hidden by signs of another illness. This may cause treatment for the signs of the illness but not depression.

The Cause of Depression in Primary Care Settings

• Almost 74 percent of depressed Americans will see a regular doctor. They will not see a mental health doctor.
• Depression in people who are sick can be about five to 10 percent.
• The rate is at about 10 to 14 percent for those who are in the hospital.
• Really sick people have a better chance of becoming depressed.
• People with depression have more issues.
• They have trouble taking care of themselves.
• Doctors miss depression 50 percent of the time.

Why Depression and Medical Illnesses Often Happen at the Same Time

• Medical problems may bring on depression.
• Sick people may become depressed because of their symptoms.
• Depression and medical problems may not be linked.

Depression With Other Medical Illnesses

Heart Disease and Depression

• Depression happens in 40 to 65 percent of people who have had a heart attack
• Depression happens in 18 to 20 percent of people who have coronary heart disease
• Depressed people have a three to four times bigger chance of dying six months after a heart attack.
• Depressed men and women are at more danger for coronary artery disease. Only men have a bigger chance of dying.

Stroke and Depression

• Depression happens in 10 to 27 percent of those following a stroke. It can last about one year.
• An extra 15-40 percent of people who had a stroke have signs of depression two months after the stroke.
• People who have five or more signs of depression have more than a 50 percent chance of dying from a stroke in the next 29 years.

Cancer and Depression

• One in four people with cancer also get depressed.
• Depression is sometimes seen as a side effect of cancer treatment.
• Signs of depression can be seen as signs of the cancer. This can make people not want to eat. It can make them lose weight. It can make someone not sleep. It can make them loose energy.

Diabetes and Depression

• Adults with diabetes have a 25 percent chance of becoming depressed.
• Depression happens to as many as 70 percent of patients with diabetic problems.

Eating Problems and Depression

• Research shows a strong link between depression and eating problems in women.

Alcohol and Drugs with Depression

• Research shows that one in three depressed people also have some form of substance abuse or dependence.

Signs of Depression and Other Medical Problems

• People with diabetes may loose weight. They may have trouble sleeping. They may not have a lot of energy.
• People with diabetes may have thyroid problems. They may have problems with their brain. They may have heart disease. They may have cancer. They may have a stroke. These are also common signs of depression.
• People with Parkinson's disease or Alzheimer's disease may have trouble concentrating. They may have memory loss. These are also common signs of depression.
• Pills for high blood pressure can cause side effects just like signs of depression. Pills taken for Parkinson's disease have the same side effects as signs of depression.

Getting Help

• Medically ill people who get help for depression may feel better physically. They listen better to their medical doctor. They can have a better life.
• More than 80 percent of people with depression can be treated with pills. They can be treated with talk therapy. They can do both.
• Treating signs early can make a person feel better. It can keep them from dying. It can cut the money that is spent when someone is diagnosed the wrong way. It can cut the chance of suicide.