Which common medical illness is NOT typically associated with depression?

Asthma is not typically associated with depression in the same direct and pronounced manner as the other listed illnesses. While asthma can induce stress and anxiety, which may lead to depressive symptoms, it does not have the same well-documented correlation with major depressive disorders as conditions like heart disease, cancer, or Parkinson's disease.

Heart disease is often linked to depression due to the physical and emotional toll it takes on individuals, and the chronic nature of the disease can exacerbate feelings of hopelessness. Similarly, cancer diagnosis and treatment frequently lead to significant emotional challenges, including depression. Parkinson's disease, being a neurodegenerative condition, is also known to affect mood and lead to increased risk of depression as the disease progresses.

In contrast, while asthma can be a chronic condition that affects quality of life, studies have shown that its direct impact on mental health, particularly in terms of leading to major depression, is less significant than that seen with the other conditions listed.