Physical illness can trigger depression

If you have depression, a thorough physical exam and careful medical history should be elicited to pinpoint a physical source of the problem for an appropriate treatment.

In depression, it is important to not only look for what?s going on in the mind and brain but also check for what?s going on in the body. Many medical problems have been linked to mood disturbances.

Over fifty percent of heart attack survivors and those with cancer report feeling depressed. Depression is also linked to diabetes, Parkinson?s and other chronic conditions.

Depression too can affect the course of a physical disease. Depression is linked with slower recovery from a heart attack and an increased risk for future heart trouble.

Thyroid disorders also affect mood. Overactive thyroid can cause mania and under active thyroid can cause depression. Other medical conditions associated with mood disorders include certain neurological conditions (multiple sclerosis, Parkinson?s disease, Alzheimer?s), other hormonal imbalances and lack of vitamin B12.