Depression, anxiety and their relationship with chronic diseases: a review of the epidemiology, risk and treatment evidence

Abstract

Objective: To review the evidence for an association between depression and anxiety and the National Health Priority Area conditions — heart disease, stroke, diabetes mellitus, asthma, cancer, arthritis and osteoporosis — and for the effectiveness of treatments for depression and anxiety in these settings. Data sources: Systematic literature search of systematic reviews, meta‐analyses and evidence‐based clinical practice guidelines published between 1995 and 2007, inclusive. Data extraction: Each review was examined and summarised by two people before compilation. Data synthesis: Depression is more common in all disease groups than in the general population; anxiety is more common in people with heart disease, stroke and cancer than in the general population. Heterogeneity of studies makes determination of risk and the direction of causal relationships difficult to determine, but there is consistent evidence that depression is a risk factor for heart disease, stroke and diabetes mellitus. Antidepressants appear to be effective for treating depression and/or anxiety in patients with heart disease, stroke, cancer and arthritis, although the number of studies in this area is small. A range of psychological and behavioural treatments are also effective in improving mood in patients with cancer and arthritis but, again, the number of studies is small. Conclusion: The evidence for the association of physical illness and depression and anxiety, and their effects on outcome, is very strong. Further research to establish the effectiveness of interventions is required. Despite the limits of current research, policy and practice still lags significantly behind best evidence‐based practice. Models of integrated care need to be developed and trialled.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of the effects of Qigong and Tai Chi for depressive symptoms

“…A c c e p t e d M a n u s c r i p t 4 Although some reviews on the effects of Qigong and Tai Chi have also been conducted, 9-13 they were not conclusive because they were either not quantitative reviews or had several limitations.…”

“…1 Depression is associated with a range of physical illnesses, including stroke, diabetes, cancer, arthritis, osteoporosis, and obesity, 3,4 and the onset of depression incrementally worsens the latter health problems. [5][6][7] Interventions to tackle this problem are therefore important and previous studies have indicated an important role for physical activity in the management of depression.…”

Depression is associated with low levels of 25-hydroxyvitamin D among Jordanian adults: results from a national population survey

“…Depression seriously affects the way someone eats, sleeps, and works [4] and concomitantly disrupts social relationships, economic status, and sense of self-esteem. Moreover, the coexistence of depression and chronic diseases is a common finding, and its role in initiation and/or aggravation of these diseases is highlighted in research literature [5][6][7]. Serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) deficiency or insufficiency is a global health problem and estimated to affect one billion people worldwide [8].…”

Anxiety and depression in polycystic ovary syndrome: a comprehensive investigation

“…Recognition of poor psychological well-being in PCOS is important to prompt intervention and improve self-efficacy through effective lifestyle change to improve clinical outcomes in this chronic and common condition. The clinical relevance of depression in infertility may be of consequence to women's ability to make lifestyle and behavior changes through self-efficacy also, as has been observed in other chronic conditions (28). Given that past research has found that infertile women (all causes) have higher rates of depression than fertile women (20), infertility may add additionally to depression in PCOS, and this finding requires further exploration.…”