Serious Medical Illness and Depression
By Jay M. Pomerantz, M.D.

Many people believe that it is common to get depressed when dealing with a life-threatening illness. However, studies show that the majority of people are able to cope. It is only a minority that gets depressed. Researchers have started to look into whether suffering from depression at the same time as a medical illness affects a person’s outcome.

Three recent studies (of breast cancer and heart attack victims, and older individuals,) seem to indicate that there is a link between suffering from depression and being more likely to die sooner from a life-threatening illness. All persons involved in the study already had a life-threatening illness prior to, or in addition to, being depressed. The studies in no way indicate that depression caused the illness.

Why do people who have a medical illness and depression do worse than those who are not depressed? Depressed persons are less likely to comply with instructions. They simply don’t take care of themselves as well. Also, depression itself may cause negative changes in some of the body’s processes.

Depression can be treated with medication and/or psychotherapy. Family and friends should reach out to the ill--call, visit, provide transportation, be present during medical appointments, prepare a meal, and help out with housework. Any act that lets a sick person know that someone cares for them may help prevent or lessen depression.

What can you do to help yourself? Stay connected with others. Avoid social isolation. People who give up seem to be at a greater risk for medical setback and possibly early death. Those who maintain relationships and optimism do better.

Dr. Pomerantz practices psychiatry in Longmeadow, Mass., and is a Lecturer on Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School in Boston Mass.