Mood Disorder due to a General Medical Condition: A Review
Abstract
Mood disorder due to a general medical condition is a form of depression that is caused by an underlying medical condition. This review will discuss the definition, prevalence, and risk factors of mood disorder due to a general medical condition, along with potential treatments, and implications for clinicians. The review reveals that mood disorder due to a general medical condition is a common condition and affects people of all ages. The diagnosis and treatment of this disorder require an interdisciplinary approach and should involve a close collaboration between clinicians, psychologists, and psychiatrists.
Introduction
Mood disorder due to a general medical condition (MDD-GMC) is a form of depression that is caused by an underlying physical illness or injury. MDD-GMC is often overlooked or misdiagnosed due to the fact that it can present with the same symptoms as other mental health disorders, such as depression and anxiety. According to the DSM-5 (American Psychiatric Association, 2013), MDD-GMC is defined as “a disturbance in mood that is judged to be clinically significant, and that is accompanied by at least two associated symptoms (e.g., appetite disturbance, sleep disturbance, fatigue, concentration problems, psychomotor agitation or retardation, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, etc.) and that is judged to be the direct physiological consequence of a general medical condition.”
Prevalence and Risk Factors
MDD-GMC is a common condition that affects people of all ages. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 10% of the general population suffers from depression at some point in their lives (NIMH, 2020). The prevalence of MDD-GMC is not well understood, but it is believed to be higher than the general population, with estimates ranging from 15-25%. Risk factors for MDD-GMC include a history of depression, chronic medical conditions, and certain medications (e.g., corticosteroids, interferon-alpha, and beta-blockers). In addition, trauma, substance abuse, and social factors such as poverty and unemployment are also associated with an increased risk of MDD-GMC (NIMH, 2020).
Treatment and Implications for Clinicians
The treatment of MDD-GMC should involve a comprehensive approach that includes both physical and psychological interventions. First, the underlying medical condition should be treated according to standard medical guidelines. In addition, psychotherapeutic interventions such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT) can be beneficial for treating MDD-GMC. Antidepressants can also be effective in treating MDD-GMC, and should be used in conjunction with psychotherapy. Lastly, lifestyle modifications such as exercise, stress management, and a healthy diet can also help to reduce symptoms of MDD-GMC (NIMH, 2020).
The diagnosis and treatment of MDD-GMC require an interdisciplinary approach and should involve a close collaboration between clinicians, psychologists, and psychiatrists. Clinicians should be aware of the risk factors for MDD-GMC and should consider a comprehensive assessment of physical and psychological factors when evaluating patients with depression. In addition, clinicians should be aware of the potential side effects of medications and should discuss alternative treatments with their patients.
Conclusion
Mood disorder due to a general medical condition is a common form of depression that is caused by an underlying physical illness or injury. The diagnosis and treatment of this disorder require an interdisciplinary approach and should involve a close collaboration between clinicians, psychologists, and psychiatrists. The review revealed that MDD-GMC is a common condition and affects people of all ages. The treatment of MDD-GMC should involve a comprehensive approach that includes both physical and psychological interventions.
References
American Psychiatric Association. (2013). Diagnostic and statistical manual of mental disorders (5th ed.). Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Association.
National Institute of Mental Health. (2020). Mood disorder due to a general medical condition. Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/mood-disorders/mood-disorder-due-to-a-general-medical-condition.shtml