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Depression's Symptoms Often Physical
Aches and pains can signal emotional upset
By Janice Billingsley
HealthScoutNews Reporter
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FRIDAY, March 15 (HealthScoutNews) -- Mild-to-moderate depression, by far the most common form of the disease, is easily diagnosed and treated by doctors. So, why do only 30 percent of those suffering from depression seek help? Also, why are only half of those accurately diagnosed, and only 20 percent of those people treated appropriately? Because the headaches, fatigue, and aches and pains that are often the physical manifestations of depression go unrecognized in many primary-care doctors' offices, mental health experts said this week during a depression workshop in New York City. Add to that the lingering stigma of depression, and a managed-care system that's reluctant to pay for easy access to therapy. Text Continues Below
The workshop, sponsored by the University of Michigan Depression Center, focused on ways to better treat a disease that affects approximately 10 percent of the U.S. population, or nearly 20 million people annually, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. A key to diagnosing depression is to know the disease exacts more than a psychological toll -- it has a strong physical component as well. It's often that physical pain that brings patients to their doctors. However, many primary-care doctors don't make the connection between a patient's aches and pains and a possible depression, panel members said. "Eighty percent of patients with depression come to the doctor with exclusively physical symptoms," said Dr. David L. Dunner, a psychiatrist at the University of Washington in Seattle. Headache, pain in the back, stomach, joints, muscles or chest, and fatigue are some of the most common physical symptoms that could indicate an underlying depression, he said. Other symptoms are significant appetite and weight changes, difficulty concentrating, feelings of worthlessness and guilt, and suicidal thoughts. Page: 1 | 2 | 3 | Next >>
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Copyright © 2002 ScoutNews, LLC. All rights reserved.
Last updated 3/15/2002
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SOURCES: David L. Dunner, M.D., director, Center for Anxiety and Depression, University of Washington, Seattle; Rollin M. Gallagher,
M.D., MPH, director, Pain Medicine and Rehabilitation Center, MCP Hahnemann University School of Medicine, Philadelphia;
John F. Greden, M.D., director, University of Michigan Depression Center, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor;
Thomas L. Schwenk, M.D., professor and chairman, Department of Family Medicine, University of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor;
March 12, 2002, University of Michigan Depression Center workshop, New York City
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