Depression and chronic physical illness: its prevalence and diagnosis, and implications for therapeutic practice

Background: This article explores the prevalence of depression comorbid with physical illness, issues in recognition of depression, and the implications for health professionals’ practice. The authors are British physiotherapists, but the issues raised will be relevant to other clinicians in other countries too. Content: Prevalence of depression in the UK and worldwide is examined and the implications for this on health policy are considered. Prevalence rates for depression in people with chronic physical illnesses are explored, and some of the possible reasons for the wide range in these figures are discussed, including difficulties that arise in the recognition and diagnosis of depression in this group. Implications for therapeutic practice are considered including some suggestions for practice. Conclusion: The prevalence of depression in people with chronic physical conditions is high, so clinicians working in diverse settings will be involved in the management of people with this condition. It is vital therefore that health professionals are alert to the possible presence and impact of depression, so that appropriate monitoring, management, and referral can be undertaken.