On January 21, 2025, Dr. Jasdeep Singh Gill, a Consultant Psychiatrist subspecializing in Psychiatry of Old Age from Hospital Fremantle, Perth, Western Australia, delivered an insightful lunchtime talk at the PPCS Multipurpose Hall. The event attracted a diverse audience, including palliative care practitioners from the Manjung Palliative Care Society, general practitioners, PPCS doctors, nurses, volunteers, and committee members. 

Dr. Gill’s presentation focused on the emotional and psychological challenges faced by patients, families, and healthcare providers in palliative care. Drawing on both research findings and his personal experiences, he highlighted the prevalence of mood disorders, such as anxiety and depression, among palliative care patients. Notably, nearly a quarter of all palliative care patients and half of those with serious illnesses experience these conditions.

He emphasized that mood disorders often manifest as physical symptoms, including fatigue, insomnia, anorexia, and drowsiness, which can lead to underdiagnosis and inadequate treatment. Dr. Gill advocated for routine screening for mood disorders in patients presenting with multiple physical symptoms, stressing that early intervention is crucial. Untreated mood disorders can amplify bodily sensations, hinder effective symptom management, and potentially lead to secondary psychiatric conditions, such as major depression. 

Dr. Gill also discussed evidence-based approaches to managing these challenges. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) has shown promising results in addressing mood disorders in palliative care settings. He recommended a combination of antidepressant medication, supportive psychotherapy, and patient and family education as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. Additionally, he highlighted the potential benefits of complementary therapies, such as aromatherapy massage, which have been found useful in some centres, though further research is needed to fully evaluate their efficacy.

The talk underscored the importance of addressing emotional and psychological well-being alongside physical symptoms in palliative care. By doing so, healthcare providers can significantly improve the quality of life for patients and their families while also safeguarding their own emotional resilience in this demanding field. 

Dr. Gill’s presentation was a timely reminder of the holistic approach required in palliative care, emphasizing the need for compassion, early intervention, and multidisciplinary collaboration to navigate the complex emotional and psychological landscape of end-of-life care.


Article contributed by Dr. Ziaudin Ahamed, Medical Director of PPCS.

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