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.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics, 3311 Toledo Road, Room 6431, Hyattsville, MD 20782, USA. MMussolino@cdc.gov
Michael E
ME
Mussolino
Bruce S
BS
Jonas
Anne C
AC
Looker
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