Depression as a Risk Factor of Organic Diseases:An International Integrative Review

ConclusionsMechanisms connecting depression to physical illness appear to involve alterations in the hypothalamic‐pituitary axis, unhealthy lifestyle, chronic or acute stressors including posttraumatic stress, an increase in C‐reactive protein (CRP) in men, taking antidepressant medication, and social and emotional loneliness. Clinical RelevanceA good patient–provider relationship can help to promote decreased acute or chronic stressors, increased family and social support, decreased loneliness, modification of unhealthy lifestyles such as smoking, obesity, physical inactivity, alcohol, control of CRP, and antidepressant medication. Nurses are well placed to help prevent physical diseases through detection and referral of patients who are depressed or undiagnosed and not receiving adequate mental health treatment.
Source: Journal of Nursing Scholarship - Category: Nursing Authors: Tags: CLINICAL SCHOLARSHIP Source Type: research