Depression in physically ill patients

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Is depression in patients who have an accompanying physical disorder different from depression in persons without one? Should the same criteria be used to diagnose depression in the two situations? Dr Rifkin points out possible problems in sorting out symptoms that may overlap, that may be caused by either depression or by the physical illness, and that may be appropriate if limited in duration and degree. He also summarizes research done on use of antidepressants in depressed, physically ill patients and gives tips for safe treatment.