Chronic disease management has become a focus due to CMS reimbursements. Depression is a key cause of the failure of many CCM programs.
The Close Association between Depression and Chronic Disease
Combating depression can improve the management of chronic diseases. About half of all adults in the United States have one or more chronic diseases, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The CDC also notes that people who suffer from a chronic disease are also more likely to struggle with depression.

Affecting about one-third of all people with a chronic disease, according to the American Psychological Association, depression is one of the most common complications of chronic illness. Between 40 and 65 percent of people who have had heart attacks suffer from depression, for example.

Depression increases the burden of chronic illness. In addition to a decreased quality of life, outpatients with depression experience decreased quality of life and almost twice as many days of missed work or restricted activity as compared with patients without depression. Depression is associated with a poorer prognosis, more rapid progression of chronic illness, and increased disease-related morbidity and mortality.

Depression is 15 to 20 percent higher for those with chronic illnesses than for the average person, according to statistics presented by the University of Michigan. Chronic illnesses, particularly those that involve uncontrollable physical pain, are major factors in up to 70 percent of all suicides.

Treatment for Depression Improves Management of Chronic Illness
Depression can complicate treatment for chronic diseases in a variety of ways. Fortunately, treatment for depression can improve management of these long-term conditions. The typical treatments for depression, specifically pharmacological and behavioral therapies, are effective for depression related to chronic diseases.

Treatment for depression can reduce symptoms of the chronic disease. Patients who have depression and another medical condition tend to experience more severe symptoms of both illnesses, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Depression may make it more difficult to adapt to the co-occurring illness and mounting medical bills in addition to increasing disability may worsen depression. Treating the depression helps the individual adapt to the changes brought about by the chronic disease.

Treating depression helps clinicians identify the onset or progression of a chronic condition. The presence of a chronic illness may obscure depression or reduce likelihood that a clinician will treat depression. Depression can also obscure signs of an oncoming or worsening illness.

Treatment for depression can improve compliance for chronic disease management. Depression can decrease the patient’s motivation to take care of his chronic illnesses. Researchers in one study named depression as a risk factor for noncompliance with medical treatment. Treatment for depression can motivate the patient to go to physical therapy, for example, take medications properly or to commit to lifestyle changes that treat the chronic condition.

Providing treatment for depression reduces the need for medical care for the chronic illness. Researchers in one study investigated the effect of adding psychological interventions to treatment plans for patients with serious medical problems. They found that providing psychotherapeutic interventions reduced the subjects’ average hospital stay by 77.9 percent. These interventions also reduced hospital visits by 66.7 percent, doctor office visits by 48.6 percent and emergency room visits by 45.3 percent.

Treating depression improves the management of chronic diseases. Treatment for depression motivates patients towards better care and helps them lead longer, happier lives.