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Depression in Patients and Caregivers |
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Most of us have the "blues" at some time in our lives, but when the circumstances change which cause the "blues," our outlook improves and the depressed period ends. This is not the case with true depression, which is a medical condition that can last for months or years unless treatment is sought. This condition is "clinical depression," and more than 10 million Americans suffer from it. People with an incurable illness such as Alzheimer�s disease (AD) are frequently depressed or suicidal, but their doctors do not recognize the warning signs or they disregard them. Some may think symptoms of depression are inherent with AD, but this is not true. Dr. Burton Reifler, Psychiatry Department Chairman at Wake Forest University, says that the problem of doctors missing treatable depression is significant among people with AD. Not only are Alzheimer�s individuals subject to depression, but a significant number of their caregivers are stricken. Caregivers are simply ordinary people trying to cope with extraordinary conditions over which they have little or no control, and this situation inevitably takes its toll. Often the toll is in the form of depression. Unfortunately, less than 25% of the millions of Americans who suffer ever seek treatment-even though, according to a study by the Rand Corporation, depression is more disabling than arthritis, ulcers, diabetes, or high blood pressure. It is as serious as emphysema or back problems in limiting people in their physical activities and confining them to bed. Depression often makes one feel out of control of his mind and body, and ordinary activities, such as walking or driving a car, become impossible. Coordination becomes severely impaired as depression deepens. Some depression is rooted in underlying medical conditions: Stroke, thyroid disorders, hepatitis, viral pneumonia, or cancer. Other cases are induced by medication, including barbiturates, tranquilizers, heart drugs, hormones, blood pressure medication, pain killers, arthritis drugs, and even some antibiotics. The depression disappears when the medication is stopped. Depression can also be related to chronic alcohol use. That is the bad news. The good news is that clinical depression is treatable through interpersonal psychotherapy , cognitive behavioral therapy, and/or an antidepressant drug. Drug therapy is often the quickest and cheapest. More than 20 antidepressant drugs are currently available, and many have been successful for decades. Read the "Telltale Signs" below to see if there is a possibility your diagnosed individual or you, as a caregiver, may possibly have clinical depression. If so, consult a qualified psychiatrist or neurologist. The Telltale Signs If you have felt any four of these symptoms nearly every day for two weeks or more, you may well be suffering from depression.
Gwen Wilber, Editor (Excerpt from "The John Hopkins Medical Letter") Edited from the San Diego Chapter, Winter 1991 In the Northern Virginia Chapter Service Area, for more information about Depression in Patients and Caregivers, please contact the Chapter's telephone Helpline at (703) 359-4440 or 800-207-8679. Outside Northern Virginia, please contact your local Chapter.
Last updated: March 1, 1999
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