Depression and chronic medical illness.
Major depression is the most common clinical problem primary care physicians are called upon to diagnose and treat. Depression is associated with high medical care utilization, amplification of somatic symptoms and disability, poor self-care and adherence to medical regimens, and increased morbidity and mortality from medical illness. Despite the high prevalence and the maladaptive effects of major depression on patients' lives, this affective illness is often not accurately diagnosed or effectively treated. Double-blind, placebo-controlled studies have increasingly demonstrated efficacy of the antidepressant agents in primary care patients, patients with chronic pain, and patients with comorbidity--chronic medical illness and major depression.
Katon
W
W
Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of Washington, Seattle.
Sullivan
M D
MD
D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology*; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D015897:Comorbidity; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology; D006801:Humans; D011320:Primary Health Care; D014481:United States
D000928:Antidepressive Agents