Advances in Skin & Wound Care | 2021
Screening for Depression in Patients with Chronic Wounds
Abstract
Concentration Frequent memory lapses, difficulty in task completion W foot ulcers comprise a large majority of these wounds andoften exceed the expected 12-week healing period because of underlying factors that cannot be fully corrected. Patients with chronic wounds face considerable psychological stress because they need continuous medical care and frequent visits to healthcare facilities. The presence of these wounds significantly disrupts the daily life of patients, including changes in sleeping patterns, diet, and mobility. Loss of mobility may lead to feelings of loneliness, powerlessness, and dependency, as patients rely on family or friends to help fulfill their basic needs such as commuting, activities of daily living, and personal hygiene. Further, patientsmay experience chronic pain, exudate, and odor, which negatively impact social interactions, relationships, sexuality, and selfconfidence. All of these psychosocial factors add up and may lead to a slow onset of anxiety and depression in patients with chronic wounds. Further, healthcare providers have a tendency to overlook the fact that these components have a direct effect on the ability of a wound to heal completely. The link between chronic wounds and depression was highlighted by House and Hughes in 1996. Numerous studies since then have confirmed that depression has adverse effects on wound healing outcomes. This is mostly attributed to poor adherence to treatment, resistance to lifestyle changes, and inadequate communication between the patient and provider regardingwell-being. In particular,