Co-morbid depression
The mental illness of depression is now accepted by increasing numbers of people as a real illness that can be treated very effectively. This is fortunate because in the past any suggestion that an illness was ‘in the mind’ often brought with it a social stigma, making it very difficult for doctors to help those suffering from the problem.
But one form of depression that is still often not recognised is that known as co-morbid depression. This refers to depression that occurs in the presence of a physical illness, usually of a chronic nature. People who have conditions that produce a lot of pain, restriction of activity or a poor outlook are all prone to developing depression on top of their existing illness. Studies have shown that if this depression is recognised and treated the outlook for the physical illness is greatly improved.
For people with chronic or serious illnesses it can sometimes be hard to tell the difference between ‘understandable unhappiness’ and depression. But the latter has some typical features which may give a clue. These include:
- sleep disturbance;
- loss of interest in everyday things such as hobbies and family;
- inability to look forward to things;
- loss of self esteem; and
- change in appetite.
If you or a relative have a serious or chronic illness, look out for the signs of depression. Treating this aspect of the problem not only makes the person feel a lot better, it may also help their overall recovery.
Last Reviewed: 13 March 2001
