Early diagnosis and treatment of depression in people with terminal illnesses is the goal. Treated for depression in the terminally ill is generally the same as for the general population:
- psychotherapy
- lifestyle modifications
- medication
- a combination of treatments
Psychotherapy
Psychotherapy involves attending sessions with a therapist who offers their support and advice. A therapist can help a person with a terminal illness better understand their condition, and how to come to terms with the end of their life. This understanding can help reduce their depressive symptoms.
Lifestyle Modifications
Adding certain habits to the lifestyle of a person with a terminal illness can be beneficial. Practices such as meditation, yoga, and massage may reduce a person’s depressive symptoms.
Medication
Both pain relievers and antidepressants appear to help alleviate depression in the terminally ill. There are several types of pain medications and antidepressants that can help. Some common antidepressants include:
- selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
- serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
- norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs)
- tricyclic antidepressants
- monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
- mood stabilizers
- antipsychotics
Some antidepressants and pain medications can interact with other drugs, or can worsen certain medical conditions. Doctors should thoroughly review a terminally ill person’s medical history before prescribing any medications for depression.
Sources: National Suicide Prevention Lifeline and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration
(article courtesy of Healthline Media; see it here; medically reviewed by Timothy J. Legg, PhD, CRNP on March 14, 2016 — written by Erica Cirino)