Depression comorbid with physical illness

The diagnosis and management of depression in the medically ill have long been clouded. The absence of a valid diagnostic strategy contributes to variable prevalence estimates of depression in the medically ill. Risk factors, however, appear more striking in their similarities across different subgroups than in their differences. Studies of the newer antidepressants, and a more sophisticated understanding of their action and interactions, indicate that management of depression in the medically ill is advancing strongly despite diagnostic and measurement limitations.