Depressive Disorder due to a Medical Condition

Depressive Disorder due to a Medical Condition

February 20, 2023, by Gintaras Razaitis

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What is Depressive Disorder due to a Medical Condition?

Depressive Disorder due to a Medical Condition is a distinctive subtype of depression that can be triggered by a wide range of medical issues, spanning from traumatic brain injuries to chronic conditions like Huntington’s disease. The connection between these medical conditions and depressive states varies in strength and timing. Robust scientific evidence underscores the undeniable link between physical ailments and depression. The onset of this disorder, however, isn’t uniform; for instance, it typically emerges right at the outset of Huntington’s disease, often serving as the initial psychiatric symptom.
Depressive disorder symptoms due to a medical condition intricately intertwine with the affected individual’s underlying health concerns. These symptoms can bear a striking resemblance to those associated with primary depressive disorder, encompassing persistent feelings of sadness and anhedonia. To warrant a diagnosis, these emotional struggles must persist for over two weeks. Crucially, when evaluating such psychiatric symptoms, healthcare professionals must diligently investigate the potential presence of non-psychiatric medical conditions, ensuring a comprehensive assessment. In particular, ruling out delirium is of paramount importance. If the patient meets other diagnostic criteria and delirium is absent, then the healthcare provider may consider diagnosing depressive disorder due to a medical condition as appropriate.

Causes of Depressive Disorder due to a Medical Condition

Many medical problems can create changes in your body that cause depression. Some examples are heart disease, stroke, Parkinson’s, hormone problems, and cancer. As your physical condition improves, your depression will usually improve as well. However, if your health does not get better, depression might continue. Heart disease or stroke often accompanies depression. It impacts over 30% of stroke patients, making it the most common psychiatric disorder that follows a stroke (termed “post-stroke depression”). Post-stroke depression is associated with a greater mortality risk than non-depressed patients. Around 10% of post-stroke depression cases experience suicidal ideation. Notably, individuals with post-stroke depression exhibit social isolation and experience sleep disturbances.

Parkinson’s disease can induce a state of depression. Other psychiatric symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, such as dementia and sleep disorders, often obscure depression, resulting in underdiagnoses and undertreatment. The percentage of Parkinson’s disease patients who experience depression varies widely, from 2.7% to 90%, and researchers have not established it indisputably. A consensus, however, is that at least 30% of Parkinson’s disease patients have a depressive condition. People with Huntington’s disease frequently also have higher rates of depression as a comorbid condition. A high risk for suicidal thoughts and attempts among those affected by this disorder. This indicates a high need for the professional attention of psychiatric mental health providers.

Medical Conditions Causing Depressive Disorder

Another medical condition that is often linked to depression is cancer. Cancer patients may experience sadness, hopelessness, and helplessness as they undergo various treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation. Additionally, the emotional impact of cancer diagnosis and treatment may cause depression. While it’s not unusual to feel sad or anxious during cancer treatment, depression is different as it can significantly impact the patient’s quality of life. Multiple sclerosis (MS) is another condition that can lead to depression. MS is a chronic autoimmune disease that impacts the central nervous system. This condition can result in numbness, weakness, and tingling sensations in the limbs. MS patients often experience depression. Studies reveal that approximately 50% of MS patients may develop depression at some point. MS patients may experience depression due to the physical and emotional stress of living with a chronic condition. The exact cause remains unknown.

An inherited blood disorder that affects the shape of red blood cells, sickle cell anemia, also causes depression. The disorder can cause chronic pain and other symptoms affecting an individual’s mental and emotional well-being. A study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders found a strong association between sickle cell anemia and the presence of depression. Infections such as mononucleosis, hepatitis, or pneumonia can also cause depression. The inflammation caused by these infections can impact the brain and lead to changes in mood and behavior. It’s important to note that while feeling down or having a low mood is a common infection symptom, depression is different as it persists for an extended period and significantly affects an individual’s ability to function.

Medications Causing Depressive Disorder

Certain medications can also cause or worsen depression. For example, drugs used to treat high blood pressure, such as ACE inhibitors, and those used to treat acne, such as isotretinoin, have been linked to depression. If you are taking medication and notice a change in your mood, it’s essential to speak to your doctor, as they may be able to adjust your medication or provide alternative options.

Treatment of Depressive Disorder due to a Medical Condition

Proper management of the medical problems that cause depression alleviates symptoms of depression. The most common treatments for depression itself are psychotherapy and medication. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, involves discussing your thoughts and feelings with a mental health professional. The therapist may also teach you coping strategies to manage your symptoms and improve your well-being.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a specific type of psychotherapy often used to treat depression. CBT focuses on identifying and changing negative thinking and behavior patterns contributing to depression. The therapist works with the patient to develop healthy coping strategies and positive thinking. This therapy effectively treats depression and healthcare providers often use it in conjunction with medication.

Medication is another treatment option for depression. Antidepressants are medication that regulates the levels of certain chemicals in the brain that affect mood. Antidepressants may take several weeks to start working, and it’s essential to take them as directed by a healthcare provider. It’s also important to note that antidepressants may have side effects, and discussing the risks and benefits of medication with a healthcare provider is essential.

Conclusion

Depressive disorder, due to a medical condition, is a complex and often overlooked condition that can significantly impact a person’s quality of life. Various medical conditions can cause it, and the symptoms can vary greatly depending on the underlying cause. Diagnosis can be challenging as many of the symptoms of depression overlap with those of the medical condition. However, it is essential to identify and treat the depressive disorder as it can worsen the course and outcome of the medical condition. Treatment may include medication, psychotherapy, and other non-pharmacological interventions such as light therapy or exercise. Patients with depression caused by a medical condition need comprehensive medical evaluation and management. Emotional support from their healthcare team, family, and friends is also essential. Collaborative care that addresses depression and the medical condition can improve overall outcomes and enhance patients’ quality of life.

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Note: This article provides information and education only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician regarding any questions about a medical condition. Consult another qualified health provider for additional guidance if needed.

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