Chronic disease and poor mental health are both prevalent conditions that share a complicated relationship. While the two have been shown to be highly correlated, scientists are still exploring exactly how.
The link is believed to be bi-directional, meaning both contribute to one another. Research by the CDC shows nearly one-third of patients diagnosed with diabetes also experience depression, while those with depression are at higher risk of developing a chronic condition, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.
The relationship is often attributed to behavioral factors, such as diet and exercise. But scientists say physiological changes due to depression and chronic disease could also play a role. "For a long time... it was thought that whatever happens in the body stays in the body," said Dr. Alan Kim Johnson, a professor of health psychology at the University of Iowa. But now, researchers have shown "profound communication between the brain and the body," said Johnson.
As theories on what causes these comorbid conditions develop, so has treatment. "In our culture, we really split people apart," said Dr. Tim Derstine, a consulting psychiatrist at Centre Volunteers in Medicine. Dersteine is involved in the clinic's effort to integrate mental health services and chronic disease care. "We try to look at it from 360-degrees," said Derstine.
On this episode of the podcast, we explore the relationship between mental health and chronic disease and speak with providers who are integrating therapies to more effectively treat their patients.
