Breaking Ground: How Aging and Depression Intertwine to Impact Your Physical Health
New insights reveal that individuals grappling with depression are more susceptible to developing a range of physical health conditions at a quicker rate than those without the disorder. While researchers are still exploring whether depression triggers these physical ailments or if the reverse is true, strong evidence indicates that the connection is reciprocal. Given the profound relationship between mental and physical health, it is crucial to discuss any mood fluctuations with a healthcare provider for a comprehensive treatment approach.
Recent research published in PLOS Medicine on February 13 highlights the alarming connection between depression and physical health. The study analyzed data from over 172,500 participants enrolled in the U.K. Biobank study, where individuals aged 40 to 71 reported their health conditions during baseline assessments and were monitored for an average of seven years.
The findings are telling: out of the 30,770 participants diagnosed with depression, they reported an average of three chronic physical health conditions. In contrast, those who did not have a depression diagnosis averaged only two. Moreover, it was found that individuals with depression developed a new health condition roughly every five years, compared to every 6.25 years for individuals without depression. When researchers adjusted for age and sex, the rate of developing long-term health issues was found to be 30% faster among depression sufferers.
- High blood pressure
- Allergies
- Osteoarthritis
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease
These ailments were not the only issues faced by those with depression; conditions such as sleeplessness, chronic pain, obesity, smoking, loneliness, and various stressful life events were also reported at higher rates. According to Kelly Fleetwood, MSc, the study’s lead author and statistician at the University of Edinburgh, “Other studies have shown that people with depression have more long-term physical health conditions, but they can’t tell us which came first.”
While it appears likely that physical conditions exacerbate mental health issues, Fleetwood emphasizes the importance of recognizing depression as a significant risk factor for developing physical ailments as one ages. This understanding is particularly crucial in light of the fact that depression affects around 280 million individuals globally.
As the researchers suggest, it is essential to regard depression as a “whole body” condition due to its profound influence on various facets of physical health. “Providers should offer additional support to help people with depression improve their physical health,” remarked Fleetwood.
Can Depression Impact Your Physical Health?
Depression often presents with physical symptoms like fatigue, discomfort, and pain. Bruce Guthrie, MSc, PhD, a study co-author and professor of general practice at the University of Edinburgh, notes, “The mechanism for this isn’t known.” Meanwhile, Mary de Groot, PhD, a professor of medicine and associate vice chair of wellness at the Indiana University School of Medicine, adds that while the study indicates that people with depression develop more physical health issues, it does not completely clarify why. Nevertheless, experts agree that lifestyle choices associated with depression likely play a significant role.
“Many people who are depressed become less physically active, partly due to social withdrawal or a decline in motivation to exercise,” explains Guthrie. “Changes in eating patterns and alcohol consumption often coincide with depressive episodes.” These alterations in sleep, diet, exercise habits, and social engagement hinder individuals from engaging in self-care practices that promote overall health and mitigate the risk of long-term diseases, according to de Groot.
Moreover, it is uncertain whether these lifestyle changes fully account for the connection or if depression affects physical health through other mechanisms. De Groot points out other possible drivers, such as inflammation, that have been linked to various conditions including depression, diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases. She notes, “Genetic susceptibility is another common factor that may underlie these relationships.”
The Bidirectional Relationship Between Depression and Physical Health
While the current study establishes that depression is a risk factor for numerous physical health conditions, it is equally valid that physical ailments may lead to mental health challenges. “Individuals who develop physical conditions are more likely to experience depression, potentially resulting from shared biological mechanisms or the ‘biographical disruption’ chronic illness can initiate,” explains Guthrie.
These disruptions may alter one’s sense of identity or impact their social interactions and career following an illness. De Groot highlights this connection, stating, “The relationship between depression and physical health is likely bidirectional.” The findings of this study reinforce the understanding that mental and physical health should not be viewed as separate entities but as deeply interconnected systems.
“We have ample evidence that a lifetime history of depression increases the risk of developing type 2 diabetes,” de Groot adds. “Conversely, a history of diabetes can increase the likelihood of later depression.” This mutual reinforcement extends to cardiovascular health as well, where depression has been shown to emerge both before and after cardiac events.
Key Takeaways for Individuals with Depression
As with any research, this study has its limitations. Fleetwood notes that the volunteers who opted to participate in the U.K. Biobank study generally represent a healthier segment of the population, suggesting that broader population studies may yield different results. Nevertheless, the extensive sample size provides a solid foundation to infer that individuals with depression are at an increased risk for various health conditions including arthritis, hypertension, and diabetes.
If you observe mood fluctuations—such as prolonged sadness, disinterest in previously enjoyable activities, changes in sleep or appetite, unintended weight fluctuations, and difficulty concentrating—these are vital symptoms to discuss with your healthcare provider. De Groot stresses that mental health information is as crucial as physical health markers and should be regarded seriously to ensure appropriate care is received.
There are numerous treatment options available for depression, which can include medication and counseling. Many lifestyle changes recommended for managing depression align closely with those promoting physical health. These include:
- Moderating alcohol consumption
- Maintaining a balanced diet
- Engaging in regular physical activity
- Connecting with others
- Staying current with preventive healthcare screenings
It is critical for individuals with a history of depression to recognize the potential increase in risk for physical ailments. Unfortunately, mental and physical health are often treated as separate issues. Therefore, advocating for oneself in medical settings is essential to ensure that both mental and physical health concerns are addressed adequately. “This separation does not reflect individuals’ lived experiences, and healthcare professionals must improve their holistic approach to patient care,” Guthrie concludes.
