02 May Vascular Disease, Depression, and Dual Diagnoses Part Two: Finding Help

Last month, we explored the double-edged sword that is living with both depression and vascular disease. Specifically, we touched on how and why the two may be related, as well as how some patients experience such comorbidity.

But we didn’t want to change the topic until we expanded a bit on finding the help you deserve.

So if you are living with a similar dual diagnosis, we encourage you to read on.

Reviewing the Relationship Between Disease and Depression

“The ‘vascular depression’ hypothesis proposes that vascular disease predisposes to, precipitates, or perpetuates depression,” as explained in an article published by the National Library of Medicine, “and this proposal has stimulated further research into the relationship of depression to vascular disease.”

In particular, Vascular News explains how Peripheral Arterial Disease (PAD) sees a relatively high rate of comorbidity, with nearly a third of PAD patients experiencing depressive symptoms at the same time.

Research further underscores how possible such a dual diagnosis may be, as depression is known to lower one’s immune system functionality and arise alongside other pre-existing conditions.

Pursuing Professional Treatment for Depression

In general, some patients find that they are capable of processing and managing their depression on their own. In many cases, however, professional treatment proves beneficial. Treatment may involve medication, psychotherapy, and more.

“Depression is among the most treatable of mental disorders, the American Psychiatric Association (APA) explains. “Between 80% and 90% percent of people with depression eventually respond well to treatment. Almost all patients gain some relief from their symptoms.

According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), severe symptoms of depression that indicate you may want to find professional help includes:

• Symptoms that are intense, paralyzing, and/or unrelenting (last months)
• Inability to care for yourself (basic needs) or attend to daily responsibilities or relationships
• Symptoms that are accompanied by substance abuse, self-harm, and/or thoughts of suicide

If you feel you need help managing your depressive symptoms, we encourage you to seek out professionals in your area. To narrow down the list of possible resources for care, you can also check with your insurance to see who and/or what organizations are covered under your individual plan.

Finding Your Vascular Physician

Depression, by virtue of its ability to impact the physical body, may exacerbate or otherwise worsen one’s experience of vascular disease.

For example, studies have revealed that some PAD patients living with depression had experienced worsened claudication and an increase in major amputation, among other complications.

And if you’re ready to tackle the vascular side of your dual diagnosis, we’d like to help.

Here at Duval Vascular Center, we offer state-of-the-art care in a comfortable outpatient setting. Whether you have varicose veins, PAD, or another vascular condition, we can help! Contact us today by calling 904-518-1398 to learn more about our service and to schedule your FREE vein screening.