Depression
Original Editors - Nadine Risman from Bellarmine University's Pathophysiology of Complex Patient Problems project.
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Definition/Description[edit | edit source]
Depression is defined according to Goodman and Fuller as a morbid sadness, dejection, or a sense of melancholy distinguished from grief. Depression falls under the broader category of Major Depressive Disorders which are characterized by a single isolated episode lasting weeks to months. Major depressive disorders are viewed as an adjustment disorder which occurs due to external circumstances such as stress, trauma or loss. Other major depressive disorders include dysthymia and seasonal affective disorder.
Prevalence[edit | edit source]
Depression is the most commonly seen mood disorder within a therapy practice and is often associated with other physical illnesses and psychological conditions (Goodman and Fuller). In 2006, the Center for Disease Control conducted a study looking at the prevalence of depression. They found that approximately 15.7% of people reported being told by a health care provider that they had depression at some point in their lifetime.1 Men and women ages 25 to 44 have the highest occurance of depression with the elderly population being the next highest age group affected.
Characteristics/Clinical Presentation[edit | edit source]
It is important to note that as many as one third of people experiencing depression do not feel sad or blue. Many experience somatic symptoms such as fatigue, joint pain, headaches, gastrointestinal disturbances, or chronic back pain. In Goodman and Synder, they report that 80 to 90% of the most common gastrointestinal disorders are associated with depressive or anxiety disorders. People with depression commonly have trouble sleeping, including early morning and frequent nocturnal awakenings. In the elderly population, sleep disturbances are the first symptom of depression especially when linked with acute confusion, falling, bowel and bladder problems or syncope.
Associated Co-morbidities[edit | edit source]
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Medications[edit | edit source]
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Diagnostic Tests/Lab Tests/Lab Values[edit | edit source]
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Causes[edit | edit source]
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Systemic Involvement[edit | edit source]
General (multiple system cross over |
Persistant fatigue Insomnia, Sleep Disturbances |
Cardiovascular |
Chest pain associated with MI or atypical chest pain Palpitations Ventricular Tachycardia |
Gastrointestinal |
Irritable bowel syndrome Esophageal Dysmotility Nonuclear Dyspepsia Functional abdominal pain (heartburn) |
Neurologic (often symmetrical and nonanatomic) |
Paresthesia Dizziness Difficulty concentrating and making decisions; problems with memory |
Musculoskeletal |
Weakness Fibromyalgia (or other unexplained rheumatic pain) Myofascial pain syndrome Chronic back pain |
Immune |
Multiple allergies Chemical hypersensitivity Autoimmune disorders Recurrent of resistant infections |
Dysregulation |
Autonomic Instability (temperature intolerance, blood pressure changes) Hormonal dysregulation (amenorrhea) |
Other |
Migraine and tension headaches Shortness of breath associated with asthma Anxiety or panic disorder |
Medical Management (current best evidence)[edit | edit source]
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Physical Therapy Management (current best evidence)[edit | edit source]
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Alternative/Holistic Management (current best evidence)[edit | edit source]
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Differential Diagnosis[edit | edit source]
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Case Reports[edit | edit source]
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Resources
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Recent Related Research (from Pubmed)[edit | edit source]
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References[edit | edit source]
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