Editing Terminal illness (section)

=== Impact on patient ===
[[Depression (differential diagnoses)|Depression]] is relatively common among terminal patients, and the prevalence increases as patients become sicker. Depression causes quality of life to go down, and a sizable portion of patients who request [[assisted suicide]] are depressed. These negative emotions may be heightened by lack of sleep and pain as well. Depression can be treated with [[antidepressant]]s, therapy, or both, but doctors often do not realize the extent of terminal patients' depression.<ref name="Block-2006"/>

Because depression is common among terminal patients, the American College of Physicians recommends regular assessments for depression for this population and appropriate prescription of antidepressants.<ref name="Qaseem-2008"/>

[[Anxiety disorder]]s are also relatively common for terminal patients as they face their mortality. Patients may feel distressed when thinking about what the future may hold, especially when considering the future of their families as well. It is important to note, however, that some palliative medications may facilitate anxiety.<ref name="Block-2006"/>