WISCONSIN UNITED
for MENTAL HEALTH

Depression often co–exists with other serious physical illnesses such as heart disease, stroke, cancer, HIV/AIDS, diabetes, and Parkinson's disease. Studies have shown that people who have depression in addition to another serious medical illness tend to have more severe symptoms of both depression and the medical illness, more difficulty adapting to their medical condition, and more medical costs than those who do not have co–existing depression. Research has yielded increasing evidence that treating the depression can also help improve the outcome of treating the co–occurring illness.

Diabetes
Approximately one third of persons with diabetes have symptoms of depression. According to recent studies, treating the depression not only relieves depression symptoms, but also improves the control of blood glucose levels. As a result, physical health improves and the risk of the most severe complications of diabetes reduces.

• A Guide to Depression and Diabetes - an easy to read discussion on coping with Diabetes from the American Diabetes Association
• Depression and Anxiety Research Summaries from the American Diabetic Association

Heart Disease
Up to a quarter of patients with coronary artery disease have major depression.  "Evidence is mounting that depression is a risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease and portends a worse outcome in cardiac patients.  Depression can be easily diagnosed and safely treated in cardiac patients, but it is undertreated." - Abstract of Heart disease and depression: Don't ignore the relationship, by Derek Kemp, et al.

• Coping with Feelings - information on depression, anxiety, loneliness, and anger from the American Heart Association

Cancer
Depression is a disabling illness that affects about 15% to 25% of cancer patients. It affects men and women with cancer equally.  Sadness and grief are normal reactions to the crises faced during cancer, and will be experienced at times by all people. Because sadness is common, it is important to distinguish between normal levels of sadness and depression. An important part of cancer care is the recognition of depression that needs to be treated.

• Depression - Section of the National Cancer Institute Web site
• Anxiety, Fear and Depression - Section of the American Cancer Society Web site