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Depression often occurs in people who have physical illness. Some diseases are particularly prone to causing depression. Equally, depression may cause physical symptoms. Diagnosis is therefore quite a challenge.
It is thought that certain illnesses affect the brain. Since the brain controls our mood and our behaviour, any changes can trigger depression. Diseases affecting the blood vessels, endocrine conditions and Parkinson’s disease can cause depression because of their impact on our brain and chemical systems.
Another aspect of serious illness is the impact it has on our outlook about life. Illness can cause incapacity and limit our ability to get on with life. The impact of a serious illness can be difficult to deal with, thus triggering a depressive illness. Not being able to go to work, socialise and do all the things we are used to doing is difficult. It’s hard not to be pessimistic about the future.
People with physical illness who have depression will find it much more difficult to recover. This underlines the importance of identifying the problem and treating it. Awareness that depression may be a possibility is a first step. This means that if either you or a relative with a physical illness feels particularly low, it’s worth discussing this with a medical adviser. Behaviour to look out for includes constant crying, fatigue, bleak outlook on life, lack of interest in anything and constant sadness.
Illnesses that may lead to depression
Parkinson’s disease
More than a third of people with Parkinson’s disease are likely to have depression. This is probably due to the effect of the disease on the brain but also to how the condition impacts on the outlook of the individual.
Multiple sclerosis
Depression is common in MS and is probably caused in much the same way as that in Parkinson’s disease.
Dementia
Depression is common in dementia and is compounded by the fact that people have serious difficulty in communicating how they feel.
Heart disease
Depression is very common after a heart attack and also in people suffering from angina.
High blood pressure
Depression is commonly seen in people with high blood pressure.
Hypothyroidism
Depression can be quite severe in hypothyroidism due to low levels of thyroid hormones. However, the depression is likely to resolve when the condition is treated.
Cushing’s syndrome
This is a rare disease that causes severe depression. However, it tends to resolve when the disease is treated.
Prescribed medicines
Drug treatment for heart disease and Parkinson’s disease may cause depression.
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