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Depression Fuels Chronic Disease Risk in Women
5 Jun
Summary
- Depression elevates women's risk for diabetes, heart disease, and stroke.
- Women with depressive symptoms were 2.4 times more likely to have chronic conditions.
- Healthy lifestyle choices may prevent or slow chronic disease progression.
Women experiencing symptoms of depression face an increased risk of developing multiple chronic diseases, such as diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and cancer, a recent study indicates. This research suggests a common genetic or biological pathway links depression and chronic illnesses.
The Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health tracked middle-aged women over 20 years. It found that women with depressive symptoms were 1.8 times more likely to have multiple chronic health conditions even before their depressive symptoms began.
After the onset of depressive symptoms, women became 2.4 times more likely to suffer from multiple chronic conditions compared to those without such symptoms. Inflammation in the body is a known factor linked to both depression and physical diseases.
Healthcare professionals are urged to recognize the connection between clinical or sub-clinical depression and chronic physical conditions. Treating patients for depression must include awareness of their heightened risk for further chronic illness.
Factors associated with women having both depression and chronic conditions include low income, being overweight, inactivity, smoking, and alcohol consumption. Adopting a healthy lifestyle, including regular exercise and a balanced diet, may help prevent and slow the progression of these diseases.
