Underlying depression in orthopedic patients - Essay Example

Underlying Depression in Orthopedic Patients Problems Depression in orthopaedic patient are overlooked and seldom treated because of the misconception that it will eventually recovered by the patient itself. This maybe true to other cases but there are some who really needs special attention by their doctors and nurses so that it will not lead to a more serious problem such as suicide. Depression occurs not only in adult orthopaedic patients but with children as well. The purpose of this paper is to identify the role of nurses, doctors, and other healthcare providers in the orthopedic department with regard to how we identify depression, and what needs to be done to thoroughly recognize these cases and initiate the appropriate treatment. Identifying such issues is important because it is vital both to their recovery and to the healthcare provider. How do we effectively detect depression during the assessment and carry out proper intervention in treating their depression as well as their medical illness. As part of the patient safety goal campaign of Hoag Hospital, should we change how we systematically assess our patients at the bedside and routinely screen for depression and / or suicide These are the problems that we consider because of the severity of the case that it may lead if the depression in an orthopeadic patient will be taken for granted. Cause Analysis There are researches and study that elderly recovering from an orthopaedic surgery is normal to experience depression. According to some doctors, some depressions are caused by some of the medicines they are taking; some are the non acceptance of their situation mostly in amputated legs or arms. According to Baker and Ashbourne of Children's Mental Health Ontario (2002) one is considered to be depressed if they have the following symptoms: depressed appearance, anxiety, irritability and frustration, lack of interest, lack of cooperation, change in appetite and sleep patterns, weight loss and gain, loss of energy, withdrawal from family and friends and others. Patients are not aware that they are having the said depression resulting in the misconception of the doctors and medical staff that the patient is recovering. The physicians and other medical staff overlooked the fact that depression may originate from the lack of communication with the patient. Doctors and nurses are ignoring the fact that orthopaedic patient may have depression during recovery. Involved medical staff should be aware of the signs and symptoms of depression in order to prevent the further development of it. The older orthopaedic patient with depression usually experience severe pain thus prolonging their rehabilitation. There are also some factors from the situation of the orthopaedic patient that may cause their depression. Since surgery is usually costly they may have financial problems causing the patient to severe depression. The patient may tend to isolate themselves from others causing a great sadness that leads to depression. There are some cases wherein patient would have any complications such as diabetics causing the patient to feel helpless. These are the common factors that causing the orthopaedic patient to feel depressed. Solution Generation The first thing to do in treating depression in an orhtopedic patient, is understanding what is depression Herbalmedicine.com (2007) defined depression as a mood disorder that is often triggered by a chemical imbalance or stressful situations. People suffering from depression experience ongoing sadness, low energy, irritability and general disinterest in daily activities. Depression is a medical condition and should not be considered a personality flaw or weakness of character. It is best to determined first if the patient is having the said condition before admission in the rehabilitation ward. As the physician you must be aware of the possibilities that your patient might have this condition because of the signs and systems that is present in the patient's attitude. Usually depression is associated with extreme sadness, disorientation, irritability, change of moods and aggressiveness. Giving importance and proper attention to these emotions would help to prevent the worsening of depression. Family support is important in treating depression. Helping the patient to understand what the situation he was into would greatly help. Doctors and other medical staff should provide information about the situation as comprehensive as possible. Focus not only on the surgery done but on the possible complications that may occur during the stage of recovery. Doctors, nurses and other medical staff should be part of the rehabilitation and counselling. Giving information as to what the real situation of the patient is also important. To ensure that patient will not have a progressive depression proper monitoring on the attitude and behaviour of the patient must be done. Solution Sequencing There are three types of depression that are common to men: (Zanni, 2005). Major depression, dysthymia or dysthymic disorder and bipolar disorder or manic depressive disorder. Major depression is a series of symptoms that can seriously interfere with all aspects of life. Dysthymia or dysthymic disorder is a less disabling form of depression, can still be long lasting . Dysthymia prevents people from feeling their very best and performing to their fullest potential. Bipolar disorder or manic depressive disorder is characterized by cycles of major depression followed by extreme energy (mania), which can worsen to a psychotic state if untreated. Family background, medical history and others important fact about the patient who suspected to be suffering from depression with suicidal tendencies are given the priority to be treated. Analysis of the situation of the patient is taken into consideration to identify the treatment needed. Usually patients are treated in short term psychotherapy which takes 10-20 weeks. If the patient is responding on this treatment the patient will not be subjected to medication. The long term treatment usually involves the combination of psychotherapy and medication. Patients who are not responsive to both medication and psychotherapy and includes life threatening situation will be subjected to electroconvulsive therapy. This condition will take longer or lifetime treatment. Depression is a condition that needs immediate attention. Doctors, nurses and other medical staff needs to be oriented regarding the possibility of depression in an orthopaedic patient. A good multidisciplinary approach in a hospital or other medical institution is needed to address this problem and prevent worsening of the situation that includes suicides. Proper patient-doctor/nurse relationship is important in approaching depression. Family support and proper medical assistance is the best treatment for depression. Reference : Prescription for Nutritional Healing, 3rd Edition, Phyllis Balch, CNC; James F. Balch, M.D. http://www.herbalremedies.com/depression.html June 3, 2007 Baker, L. and Ashbourne, L. (2002) A handbook children's mental health practitioners, Children's Mental health Ontario, http://www.lfcc.on.ca/depression_handbook_CMHO.pdf June 4, 2007 Zanni, G. (2005-2007) Men and depression, Pharmacy Times-Mens health Issue, http://www.pharmacytimes.com/Article.cfmMenu=1&ID=2498 , June 4, 2007 Read More