Cystic Fibrosis and Depression
Individuals diagnosed with a chronic medical illness, such as Cystic Fibrosis, are at increased risk of experiencing depression and anxiety. Detecting and treating depression is important because depression has been related to problems completing prescribed therapies and medical regimen. Symptoms of depression include a combination of the following: depressed mood, irritable or angry mood, disruption of sleep and/or appetite, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness, difficulty concentrating, unexplained aches or pains, loss of interest in activities, withdrawal from friends and/or family, and in more severe cases, thoughts of death or suicide. The exact symptoms shown by each person will depend on age. For example, parents of a teen may notice that their teen is spending more time alone, is more irritable or grumpy, having problems at school, or engaging in risky behaviors, such as substance abuse.
More Information About Symptoms of Depression:
- Effective Child Therapy: Depression
- American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry: Depression Resource Center
Effective treatments for depression do exist. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is a type of psychological treatment that has shown effectiveness in providing relief of depressive symptoms. Anti-depressant medication can also be helpful in managing depressive symptoms.
