Physiotherapy in palliative care– - Stockholms sjukhem

Depression can be hard to diagnose as it is natural to be low-spirited when one is severely illand many of the symptoms when depressed are common also when one is seriously ill. Theycan also be side effects of treatment.Common symptoms when depressed are low spiritedness, anxiety, sleeping disorder, loss ofappetite, restlessness, tiredness and concentration problems. (7)Sometimes patients in an early palliative phase, who probably still have a long time to live butare sad because the disease makes them believe that death is imminent, become inactive andbed bound.Except for medical treatment these patients need activating /mobilizing not to get secondarycomplications because they are inactive and if possible to improve quality of life for the timethey have left.Assessment:The assessment if the patient is depressed should be done by a physician.What palliative stage of the disease is the patient in?How severe is the depression?Is the patient capable of co-operating in physiotherapeutic treatment?Does the patient want to?Treatment:For patients in an early or late palliative phase and who want and feel like taking walks, aquaticexercises or light fitness training can be useful.The physical activity must be adapted to what the patient can handle, manage and want.Physical exercise can have a positive effect on depression. Physical exercise is best when it iscombined with medical treatment and consultation. (12)Physiotherapy in palliative care – a clinical handbook Ulla Frymark, Lilian Hallgren, Ann‐Charlotte Reisberg 14