Major Depressive Disorder

By Kurt Ullman Cancer, anxiety, and depression have been linked together for many years. The problem is big enough that the National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN) includes an algorithm for identifying and treating distress among their guidelines for supportive care.

Chronic conditions are leading causes of illness, disability, and death among Medicare beneficiaries and account for a disproportionate share of healthcare expenditures.

Depression is a well-documented adverse effect of many surgical procedures, yet many surgeons fail to warn patients about their risks. What should surgeons do to monitor patients for depression after surgery?

MDNG spoke with Robert C. Like, MD, MS, Professor and Director of the Center for Healthy Families and Cultural Diversity, Department of Family Medicine, UMDNJ-Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, to discuss his efforts to improve cultural competency in healthcare.