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Abstract

Depression and chronic disease are often related in that where one finds the one the other may also be present. The consensus is that the relationship is bidirectional. That consensus is about the general case and indicates that, for example, depression leads to diabetes and that diabetes also leads to depression. The explanation for this conundrum in a number of chronic diseases has yet to be elucidated. Labeling the phenomenon as depression may contribute to the confusion. It is the contention of this author that what is being observed following diagnosis with a life-limiting and/or activity-restricting condition is grief. This article explores the evidence about the relationship between depression and chronic disease and proposes an alternative explanation.

Keywords

chronic sorrow depression grief

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The Pot Calling the Kettle Black: Depression in Chronic Disease

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Keywords

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