International journal of palliative nursing
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Depression is a common psychological condition among patients at the end of life, and it can also affect a patient's family both before and after their loved one's death. It is estimated that around 25% of palliative care patients are diagnosed with depression during their illness, and that a majority experience depressive symptoms. ⋯ Palliative care staff play an essential part in recognizing and treating depression in patients, and by focusing on those at risk they can help to reduce the number who will go on to develop the condition. This article provides an overview of the nature of the problem in palliative care patients and bereaved families, looking at how targeted monitoring and intervention can help to alleviate the burden in the former and how support can benefit the latter.