Treating co-morbid chronic medical conditions and anxiety/depression

Aims. This systematic review examines interventions for care of people with co-morbid chronic medical illness and anxiety/depression disorders - a group with high risks for morbidity and mortality. Methods. Systematic search of Medline 1995 to January 2011 for randomized controlled trials of treatment interventions designed for adult outpatients with diagnosed chronic medical illness (diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disorders, and chronic respiratory disorders) and anxiety/depression disorders. Results. Six trials studied complex interventions based on the chronic care model, and eight trials studied psychosocial interventions. Most interventions addressed the mental health aspect of the co-morbidity and showed improvements in anxiety/depression but not in the co-morbid medical disorder. Conclusions. Further research might focus on interventions integrating mental health treatment with enhanced medical care components, incorporating shared-decision making and information technology advances.