Depression and Other Illnesses
The significant impact depression
and bipolar disorder have on the treatment and progression of other
illnesses is little known by the general public and many health care
providers. Recent studies have show that:
- While about 1 in 20 American
Adults experience major depression in a given year, the number
increases to about 1 in 3 for people who have survived a heart
attack. Heart patients who were depressed were 4 times as likely
to die in the next 6 months as those who were not depressed.
- Depression may increase a
woman's risk of osteoporosis. Low bone mineral density, a major risk
factor for fracture, is more common in people with depression than in
the general population.
- The risk of developing
Alzheimer's Disease rises along with the number of depressive symptoms
reported. The risk increases 20% for each symptom of depression even
when age, education and gender are filtered out.
Treatment for depression helps people manage both diseases, thus
enhancing survival and quality of life. Symptoms of depression may overlap with those of
other physical illnesses. However, skilled health professionals
will recognize the symptoms of depression and inquire about their duration
and severity, diagnose the disorder, and suggest appropriate treatment.
Learn about depression and other illnesses
by clicking on one of the links to the left.
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