Depression and bone mineral density in young adults: results from NHANES III.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this cross-sectional population-based study was to assess the association of major depressive episode (MDE) and dysthymia with bone mineral density (BMD) in young adults.


METHODS
Data are from a nationally representative sample of 5,171 people aged 20 to 39 years from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Total proximal femoral BMD was measured using dual energy x-ray absorptiometry. MDE and dysthymia were measured using the Diagnostic Interview Schedule.


RESULTS
MDE was associated with lower BMD in multivariate models in men (mean BMD = 1.038 vs. 1.068 g/cm(2); odds ratio (OR) per 1 SD decline in BMD = 1.65, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.08-2.52; p = 0.02) but not in women (mean BMD = 0.982 vs. 0.979 g/cm(2); OR = 0.96, 95% CI = 0.71-1.30; p =.79). The same divergence by gender was seen for dysthymia.


CONCLUSIONS
The relationship between BMD and MDE or dysthymia in young adults varies by gender.
Mussolino
Michael E
ME
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics, 3311 Toledo Road, Room 6431, Hyattsville, MD 20782, USA. MMussolino@cdc.gov
Jonas
Bruce S
BS
Looker
Anne C
AC
D015502:Absorptiometry, Photon; D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D015519:Bone Density / Q000502:physiology*; D015897:Comorbidity; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D019263:Dysthymic Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006306:Health Surveys; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009749:Nutrition Surveys; D010024:Osteoporosis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology*; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors; D014481:United States / Q000453:epidemiology