What illnesses often coexist with depression?

The willingness to share does not make one charitable; it makes one free.  ~Robert Brault

Depression often coexists with other illnesses that may 
precede the depression, follow it, cause it, be a consequence 
of it, or a combination of these. It is likely that the interplay 
between depression and other illnesses differs for every person 
and situation. Regardless, these other coexisting illnesses need 
to be treated. 

One problem with this situation is that, people who are ill and also feeling depressed often give up. They give in to the ailments and careless about taking care of themselves or being cared for. They resist to help and push others away. In such situations, caregivers shall become stressed out, may become angry and discouraged. Many times, people just give up on helping.

That's why depressed people will usually end up being alone and neglected. It takes love to care for someone who is ill. But it takes true understanding and patience to succeed in that quest. Caring for someone who is NOT motivated to care for him/her self is a challenging task. 

Depression often coexists with eating disorders such as:

• anorexia nervosa, 
• bulimia nervosa,
• anxiety disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), 
• obsessive-compulsive disorder, 
• panic disorder, 
• social phobia and 
• generalized anxiety disorder.

Although alcohol and substance abuse or dependence may occur more for men than women, women are more prone than men to having a coexisting anxiety disorder. 

Women suffering from PTSD, which can result after a person endures a terrifying ordeal or event, are especially prone to having depression at the same time as depression, 

the coexistence of mood disorders and substance abuse is common among the U.S. population.

Depression also often coexists with other serious medical illnesses such as:

• heart disease,
• stroke,
• cancer,
• HIV/AIDS,
• diabetes,
• Parkinson’s disease,
• thyroid problems and
• multiple sclerosis.

Having depression in addition to a serious medical illness tend to have more severe symptoms of both illnesses. They also have more difficulty adapting to their medical condition, and more medical costs than those who do not have coexisting depression.

"Wisdom comes from within." 

Source: U.S. National Institute of Mental Health
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Research has shown that treating the depression 
along with the coexisting illness will help ease both conditions. 





Post 4/17/2013