Common chronic illnesses include stroke, diabetes, arthritis, and osteoporosis — most of which are diagnosed in adulthood and prevalent among the elderly. Receiving a diagnosis of a chronic illness can be life-altering and isolating. In addition to the day-to-day physical symptoms, patients also experience a myriad of emotions ranging from grief to sadness that affect their behavioral health.
A patient diagnosed with a chronic illness will be instructed to visit several specialists. For instance, a person with diabetes will need to visit a podiatrist, endocrinologist, and ophthalmologist, but rarely are patients referred to a mental health professional for psychiatric care in Clayton, North Carolina. However, mental health is a vital part of any patient’s treatment plan.
Individuals with chronic medical conditions are at a higher risk of developing mental disorders like depression and anxiety. The risk is even higher for those with a personal or family history of depression. Moreover, some risk factors for depression are related to having other illnesses. For instance, conditions like stroke can cause changes in the brain and may have a direct role in depression and illness-related anxiety.
Some people may also experience symptoms of depression after being diagnosed with a medical illness. Comprehensive clinical assessments are necessary for diagnosis and treatment as people with depression and another medical illness tend to have more severe symptoms of both diseases. This is because they have more difficult adapting to their medical condition. More than that, they have higher medical costs and the symptoms of depression may continue even as their physical health improves.
Hence, we at The Enhancement Center, Inc. offer high-quality mental care services that promote stress management and comprehensive treatments to support our patients’ full recovery. Reach out to us to learn more.
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