Psychological aspects of physical disease

Question 1

Parkinsons disease

Answer 1

• depression occurs in 40%
• delirium is very common
• cognitive deficits occur

Question 2

Cerebrovascular disease

Answer 2

• delirium affects 30-40% of people in the week after a stroke
• pathological crying and emotional lability are common post-stroke and can be treated with SSRIs

Question 3

Sensory impairment

Answer 3

• visual impairment can lead to Charles Bonnet

- auditory impairment has been associated with psychotic symptoms in the elderly

Question 4

Depression in chronic ill health

Answer 4

• 2-3x more common
• occurs in 20% of people with a chronic physical illness
• generic SSRI is first line