IMPACT OF DEPRESSION AND ANXIETY ON CHRONIC DISEASES A COMPREHENSIVE NARRATIVE REVIEW OF BIDIRECTIONAL RELATIONSHIPS, MECHANISMS, AND CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.37547/Keywords:
depression, anxiety, chronic disease, cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, cancer, chronic pain, comorbidity, collaborative care, inflammation, HPA axis, mental health integrationAbstract
The coexistence of depression and anxiety with chronic physical diseases represents one of the most significant challenges in contemporary healthcare. This narrative review examines the multifaceted impact of depression and anxiety on chronic diseases, exploring the bidirectional relationships that exist between mental health disorders and conditions such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, cancer, and chronic pain. Drawing upon recent epidemiological evidence, meta-analyses, and mechanistic studies, this article synthesizes current knowledge on prevalence rates, underlying biological pathways including inflammation and hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis dysregulation, and the clinical implications for integrated care approaches. The findings underscore the urgent need for routine mental health screening in chronic disease management and the implementation of collaborative care models to improve patient outcomes.
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