Year: 2013
Type: review
Study design: Systematic Review
Abstract: Purpose: To explore whether there is an association between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and depression, the nature of the relationship, and implications for practicing health care professionals. Data Sources: Peer reviewed articles obtained through electronic database search in: CINAHL, The Cochrane Library, MEDLINE, and PsychINFO between the years of 2006 and 2013. Results: MetS and depression have a bidirectional association; MetS leads to depression and vice-versa. More severe depression has a stronger association with MetS. Increased waist circumference (AKA: abdominal obesity, body mass index [BMI]), elevated triglycerides, and low HDL cholesterol are the MetS components most commonly/strongly associated depression. Though not thoroughly evaluated, gender, age, and race were not found to impact this association. Implications for Practice: As patients with MetS are at higher risk for developing depression, and vice-versa, practitioners should evaluate patients with either condition for the presence of the other. Presence/severity of depression should be assessed with a screening instrument. In the reviewed articles no suggested treatment is given; MetS components and depression should each be treated independently. Caution should be exercised with TCA antidepressants as they are associated with abdominal obesity.
Author: Michael S. Robinson
Institution: Brigham Young University
Language: English
Subfield: Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W762033895