Understanding the Relationship between Depression and Chronic Diseases Such as Diabetes and Hypertension: A Grounded Theory Study

Pablo Alberto Herrera, Solange Campos-Romero, Wilsa Szabo, Pablo Martínez, Viviana Guajardo and Graciela Rojas
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Pablo Alberto Herrera: Psychology Department, University of Chile, Santiago 7770204, Chile
Solange Campos-Romero: Nursing School, Pontifical Catholic University of Chile, Santiago 7820436, Chile
Wilsa Szabo: Medicine Faculty, University of Chile, Santiago 8380000, Chile
Pablo Martínez: Psychiatry Department, Clinical Hospital, University of Chile, Santiago 8380456, Chile
Viviana Guajardo: Psychiatry Department, Clinical Hospital, University of Chile, Santiago 8380456, Chile
Graciela Rojas: Psychiatry Department, Clinical Hospital, University of Chile, Santiago 8380456, Chile

IJERPH, 2021, vol. 18, issue 22, 1-15

Abstract: There is a bi-directional relationship between depression and chronic illnesses such as diabetes and hypertension. This comorbidity is associated with higher mortality risk and diminishes the efficacy of interventions. The specific mechanisms of this mutual influence are still not fully understood, and most intervention protocols address these conditions separately. This study aims to improve our understanding of this relationship. We interviewed 18 patients and 24 health care professionals, focusing on understanding the different ways in which depression and chronic illness could influence each other. Our results show a common cyclical pattern and specific situations where the reported bi-directional relationship does not occur. We discuss the importance of opening a space for the patient’s grief process after the chronic illness diagnosis, managing the demands and stress of the patient’s treatment, and how to adjust the treatment to the different needs and possibilities of each person.

Keywords: chronic illness; depression; treatment adherence (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: I I1 I3 Q Q5 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2021
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