Why Is Depression Comorbid With Physical Illness?
Comorbidity According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the rate of depression in the general population is estimated to be between 4.5 and 8 percent. Studies that examine the incidence of depression among the physically ill find rates ranging from 18 to 36 percent. Psychological Response to Illness Depression can be a psychological response to illness. Physical pain and discomfort, loss of mobility, loss of ability to perform day-to-day functions normally and loss of income are just a few of the consequences of physical illness that trigger feelings of sadness, loss and depression. Illnesses Cause Depression A wide range of illnesses share causal pathways with depression, and so directly cause depression. Diseases of the nervous system such as Parkinsons, dementia and multiple sclerosis; vascular diseases such as stroke and hypertension; endocrine disorders such as hypothryroidism, adrenal disorders and Cushing’s syndrome; and metabolic illnesses such as diabetes, a
