Depressive symptoms and syndromes are common in the medically ill,
although they are frequently unrecognized and untreated. The authors review
the epidemiology, differential diagnosis, clinical presentations, and
response to treatment of this clinical problem. They address such
methodological issues in the current literature in this area as the
advantages and limitations of standardized assessment measures and discuss
treatment modalities for depression in the medically ill, including
antidepressant medication and ECT. This clinical problem warrants attention
for a variety of reasons: its prevalence, associated morbidity, and
treatability. Elucidation of the mechanisms of depression in the medically
ill may also contribute to a broader understanding of depression in other
populations.
Abstract Teaser