Depression And Other Co Morbidities

A 56 year old man was admitted to coronary care unit after a myocardial infarction. At present he is clinically stable. He mentions to his treating physician that he has been suffering from depression in the past but has never seeked treatment. On further questioning he said he suffers from insomnia, depressed mood, lack of concentration and loss of interest in activities like playing golf which once he enjoyed. 

Which of the following statements regarding depression is true?

A. The patient is not at risk of committing suicide.

B. Genetics play no role on depression

C. The incidence of depression decreases with age.

D. The mortality 6 months after MI is 5 times higher in depressed patients than in non depressed patients. 

Answer And Discussion: 

The correct answer is D : The mortality 6 months after MI is 5 times higher in depressed patients than in non depressed patients.

Mood disorders are present in 50 % to 70 % of all cases of depression.

The strongest risk factors for development of depression is family history and previous episodes of depression. 

Depression in late life is a serious public health concern and co morbidity of depression with other illnesses is particularly problematic with poor prognosis. 

Depression is both a risk factor for the development of cardiovascular disease as well as increased morbidity after myocardial infarction.