Depression Diagnosis and Treatment Amongst Multimorbid Patients: a Thematic Analysis

Overview

Journal BMC Fam Pract

Publisher Biomed Central

Specialties Health Services
Public Health

Date 2014 Jun 21

PMID 24947875

Citations 12

Authors

Melinda N Stanners

Christopher A Barton

Sepehr Shakib

Helen R Winefield

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Background: We explored experiences of depression diagnosis and treatment amongst multimorbid patients referred to a metropolitan multidisciplinary outpatient clinic to identify commonalities across this patient group.

Methods: Patients with two or more chronic conditions and a diagnosis of depression participated in semi-structured interviews that were digitally recorded and transcribed. Thematic analysis was performed on the transcriptions.

Results: Multimorbid patients attributed depressive symptoms to the loss of 'normal' roles and functionality and struggled to reconcile the depression diagnosis with their sense of identity. Beliefs about themselves and depression affected their receptivity to diagnosis and intervention strategies. These included prescribed interventions, such as psychotherapy or pharmacotherapy, and patient-developed strategies.

Conclusions: Functional and social role losses present a clear context in which GPs should raise the subject of mood, with the situational attribution of depression suggesting that psychotherapy, which is rarely offered, should be prioritised in these circumstances.

Citing Articles

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Evaluation of a Digital Self-management Platform for Patients With Chronic Illness in Primary Care: Qualitative Study of Stakeholders' Perspectives.

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Li R, Zhan W, Huang X, Liu Z, Lv S, Wang J J Inflamm Res. 2021; 14:6959-6973.

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Hu B, Liu C, Mou T, Luo F, Lv T, Qian C Front Psychiatry. 2021; 12:783091.

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