Difficulties Healthcare Providers Encounter in Diagnosing Mental Illness in Chronically Medically Ill Patients

Yet, in consideration of medical care, the emotional dimension of these conditions is often overlooked. Healthcare providers face difficulties in diagnosing depression in the medically ill patients. Most of the physical symptoms like lack of energy, disturbed sleep, and impaired appetite might exist due to the disease. At times, treatment of medical conditions such as the use of steroids might impact the mood of the patient, as might the disease process itself. For instance, infection and hypoxia in patients suffering from chronic respiratory ailments may have a direct cerebral impact on mood. References Turner, J. , & Kelly, B. Emotional dimensions of chronic disease.  Western Journal of Medicine, 172(2), 124. Response to Students Posts Ibeth Yong I agree with your argument that despite the technological advancements in the medical field, healthcare professionals encounter challenges when dealing with mental illness in chronical patients.