Intro to Clinical Medicine I: Depression
Introduction
2
Overview
Statistics
Role of the PCP
Impact of Depression
Risk Factors
Defining Depression
Major Depressive Episode
A Sad Face(s)
Differential Diagnoses
Depression Overlooked
Somatic Symptoms
Typical Complaints
When to Screen
Patient Observation
Appearance & Behavior
Screening Tools
Brief Screens (Video Activity)
Survey
Typical Complaints

Multiple, vague somatic complaints are highly predictive of depression. Some typical presenting complaints are:

  • "tired all the time "
  • malaise; “the blahs”
  • sleep problems (too much or too little)
  • vague abdominal or joint pain
  • “stressed out”
  • headaches
  • sexual dysfunction or loss of libido
  • apathy
  • GI complaints (constipation, diarrhea etc.)
  • chronic pain (e.g., backache)

 

 
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Copyright 2006 Department of Family Medicine, Boston University School of Medicine