An integrated review highlights the prevalence of depression among patients with chronic diseases in China and the US, noting wide variations in recognition and treatment.
Highlights the need for primary care and specialty providers to recognize and manage depression in patients with chronic diseases using integrated care interventions.
Depression is not only a major global public health concern, but also a common comorbidity among patients who experience chronic diseases, such as cancer, stroke, heart disease, diabetes, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Yet the recognition and treatment varies widely around the world. This study (1) provides an integrated review of the literature on the prevalence of depression among patients with chronic diseases in China and the United States and its relationship to poorer health outcomes and (2) compares the differences in the percentages of patients receiving treatments for depression between the United States and China. Given the current situation, we recommended that primary care and specialty providers should be knowledgeable and alert regarding the signs of depression. Efforts should be directed to further implement integrated care based interventions to manage depression and improve quality of life among patients suffering chronic diseases in both China and the United States.
Li et al. (Thu,) conducted a review in Depression in chronic diseases. An integrated review highlights the prevalence of depression among patients with chronic diseases in China and the US, noting wide variations in recognition and treatment.