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Nurturing Children: Coping With Chronic Illness. Lara R. Krawchuk, MSW, LSW, MPH Conill Institute for Chronic Illness Helen Egger MD Duke University Medical Center June 4, 2005 MSSA Workshop Orlando, Florida. Objectives. Impact of Depression in MS Patients
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Nurturing Children: Coping With Chronic Illness Lara R. Krawchuk, MSW, LSW, MPH Conill Institute for Chronic Illness Helen Egger MD Duke University Medical Center June 4, 2005 MSSA Workshop Orlando, Florida
Objectives • Impact of Depression in MS Patients • Effect of Parental Depression on Children • Understanding Childhood Depression • Assessment of Depression in Health Care Settings • Appropriate Referrals • Professional Boundaries
Prevalence of Depression In US • Annual Prevalence- 10 % of American adults (about 19 million people) experience some form of depression every year • About 6.7% of women have a major depressive disorder in the US (National Institute of Mental Health, NIH) • About 3.3% of men have a major depressive disorder in the US (National Institute of Mental Health, NIH) • Increased risk of depression with a number of illnesses including MS, heart disease, diabetes, and strokes
MS and Depression • MS Patients-higher depression rates than other chronic illnesses • Annual prevalence-20% • Lifetime prevalence-50%
Suicide • Higher risk • Suicide rate-2-7.5 % greater than general population • Greatest risk factors-males, severe major depression, living alone, & alcohol abuse • No connection with cognitive dysfunction • NO psychological care-1/3 suicidal patients (140) • NO antidepressant medication-2/3 patients
Recognizing Depression • Depressed mood • Diminished interest in formerly pleasurable activities • Feelings of worthlessness/guilt • Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment (headaches, digestive disorders, and chronic pain) • Hopelessness • Suicidal ideation/thoughts of death • Insomnia • Psychomotor agitation/retardation • Fatigue • Diminished ability to think/concentrate
Caregivers Count Too • Considerable variance in adaptation • Unstable disease course • Hours of Care • Perceived stress • Social Support
Multiple Losses Physical Uncertainty Intrusiveness on Daily Living Altered Roles Social Isolation Coping styles Relationship Strain Financial Devastation Brain Lesions Autoimmune Effect Medications Fatigue (mental/physical) Why Depression?
Impact of Depression • Quality of life • Relationship satisfaction • Medication adherence • Immune response • Physical health outcomes • Health care utilization • Suicide
Treating Depression • Treatment highly effective • Many MS patients report never having mental health issues addressed by medical team • Over ¼ MS patients report receiving no psychological services
Challenges to Assessment • Confounding symptoms* • Unique symptoms-anger, irritability, worry & discouragement • Patient reluctance to disclose emotional distress • Reluctance by health professionals to inquire about emotional functioning • Time constraints • Overshadowing • Lack of routine assessment plan
Impact of Treatment • Both psychotherapy and medication very effective in reducing depression • Teaching coping skills and CBT quite effective • Passive, avoidant, emotion-focused coping strategies not effective • Support Groups (particularly using CBT principles) effective at decreasing depression • Receiving NO treatment results in worsening depression
Encourage sharing of information about emotions Explain impact of depression Create a routine screening tool Re-asses routinely Get patients and families actively involved Share information regarding treatment Emphasize importance of early treatment Address concerns regarding treatment Utilize multidisciplinary approach Build and sustain referral relationships Address the Depressed
Professional Excellence • Focus on Assessment • Build a Treatment Team/Network • Make Quality Referrals • Make Time for Emotional Well-Being • Commit to Cultural Competence • Respect Differences of Opinion • Create an action plan for Suicidal/Homicidal patients • Remember Mandated Reporting re: Harm to Children • Respect your limits
Professionals Matter Too! • Professionals also experience depression • Stress is the norm in healthcare • Compassion fatigue is a NORMAL experience in helping professions • Compassion Fatigue is reversible • Burnout is BAD
Commit to Self-Care • Self-Care buffers the impact of stress & compassion fatigue • Personal and organizational commitment • Create a self-care plan today