Aches To Anxiety: Diagnosis Could Affect Mental Health
The risk is highest among adults aged 60 years and older, hospitalised patients and those managing multiple health issues.
The findings are based on a large-scale, population-based Danish study that tracked more than 6.5 million people between 1995 and 2022. Researchers examined the link between various medical conditions, including heart disease, cancer, and musculoskeletal disorders, and the subsequent development of major depressive disorder.
They found that individuals with a physical diagnosis were more than twice as likely to experience depression compared to those without one. Over a 20-year period, more than 20% of those diagnosed with a physical illness went on to develop MDD against fewer than 10% among the otherwise healthy.
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Importantly, the risk of depression varied by type of illness. Musculoskeletal conditions such as arthritis and chronic back pain showed the strongest link to depression, while endocrine disorders, including thyroid issues, were among the least associated.
"Musculoskeletal conditions often lead to chronic pain and reduced physical mobility, which affect daily functioning and self-worth," said Dr Sameer Malhotra, director, mental health and behavioural sciences, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Saket.
"Even illnesses that don't seem serious can disrupt routines and trigger emotional distress."
Dr Achal Bhagat, senior consultant psychiatrist, Indraprastha Apollo Sarthak Mental Hospital reiterated, "It's quite common to see symptoms of depression emerge during this period even in cases like arthritis, irritable bowel syndrome, or thyroid disease."
He added that while cancer and chronic lung disease posed the highest depression risk, conditions such as arthritis and heart disease also showed a long-term mental health impact.
"Depression is frequently missed in patients with physical illnesses. Symptoms like fatigue, sleep problems or irritability often get attributed to the disease itself," Bhagat said.
Older adults are particularly vulnerable. "They often face multiple health issues, reduced independence, and social isolation," said Dr Sonali Bali, consultant psychiatrist, Paras Healthcare, Gurgaon.
"Even a seemingly manageable diagnosis can heighten anxiety and feelings of helplessness especially if it affects their daily life."
Hospital stays, frequent appointments and medication schedules can leave patients feeling emotionally drained, further raising depression risk. "Add to this the stigma around mental health, especially among seniors and many suffer in silence," she added.
Dr Minakshi Manchanda, associate director, psychiatry, Asian Hospital, Faridabad, emphasised the role of caregivers in early detection.
"Watch for mood changes, social withdrawal or loss of interest in daily activities," she said. "Encouraging patients to seek help, attending appointments with them, and maintaining routine and connection can all make a difference."
Experts say the study highlights the urgent need to integrate mental health into routine medical care. "In India, where both chronic illnesses and mental health issues are rising, we must stop treating them as separate," Malhotra said. "Addressing the emotional impact of a diagnosis must become part of holistic care."
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