Depression associated with chronic illness

As the population ages, increasing numbers of patients regularly attend their GP with chronic conditions, such as diabetes, ischaemic heart disease, hypertension and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Similarly, depression is becoming more common. By 2020, the World Health Organization estimates that depression will be one of the leading causes of disability worldwide, second only to ischaemic heart disease. As one of the frontline care providers for patients with chronic medical illnesses, GPs are in an ideal position to diagnose and manage depression in this patient group. This article reviews the aetiology of depression in chronic illness, the challenges involved in diagnosis and recommended management strategies.