Depression in physical illnesses.

Depression is a common diagnosis on the nonpsychiatric wards of a general hospital. Many medical diseases, such as endocrine disorders, neurological conditions and cancer can either present with depression, or depression may be a complication of the disease. The 'vegetative' signs of depression are unreliable diagnostic criteria in these cases; therefore, one needs to rely on the 'psychological' criteria to make the diagnosis. Treatment of depression secondary to physical illness follows similar clinical and pharmacological principles as treatment of primary depressive disorders.