General Medical Conditions

Abstract

The differential diagnosis of major depressive disorder should include a comprehensive evaluation of past and current medical disorders. Comorbid medical conditions and/or their treatments can be a root cause or a contributor to the depressive episode. Conversely, symptoms of depression can exacerbate or mimic a medical condition. This chapter reviews cardiovascular, pulmonary, endocrine, gastrointestinal, hepatic, immunologic, dermatologic, and neurologic medical conditions that can mimic or exacerbate depression, as well as cancer and pain. Suggestions for treatment and management of depression are provided for each major organ system, as well as medications that have possible depression as a side effect. Untreated depression in patients with general medical conditions is a modifiable risk factor for poor medical outcomes.