Mood disorder in the personal correspondence of Robert Burns: testing a novel interdisciplinary approach
Depressive illnesses are common in the general population and are significantly more common in those with physical illnesses. The symptoms of depression may go unrecognised in medical patients, with consequent underdiagnosis and under-treatment. Co-morbid depression is associated with increased morbidity, poorer function, increased healthcare costs and increased mortality. Depressive illnesses are amenable to treatment by both pharmacological and psychological means.