Recent Advances in the Treatment of Depression in the Presence of Physical Symptoms.

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Wayne J. Katon, M.D., began his discussion of comorbidities associated with major depression by describing several aspects of depression and chronic medical illness. Medically ill patients have an increased prevalence of major depression, which is associated with the amplification of physical symptoms, such as pain. The comorbidity of depression and medical illness increases impairments in functioning and is associated with poor self-care and adherence to treatment regimens such as medications, diet, and exercise.