Metabolic syndrome and depression: a cross-sectional analysis.
OBJECTIVE
To examine the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome in depressive outpatients and to identify its correlates in depression.


METHODS
This cross-sectional analysis was performed on 121 depressive outpatients from January 2002 through January 2004 who were diagnosed at baseline with the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-III-R. The metabolic syndrome was diagnosed at 6-year follow-up according to the modified criteria of the National Cholesterol Education Program. The severity of depressive symptoms was assessed at follow-up with the Beck Depression Inventory and the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression, and general psychopathology was assessed with the Symptom Checklist-90.


RESULTS
At 6-year follow-up, the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in the study group of depressive outpatients was 36% (N = 44). The syndrome was associated with a current diagnosis of major depression and overeating, but not with age or sex.


CONCLUSIONS
The metabolic syndrome is highly prevalent among patients with a history of depression, especially those with current major depression. This may have implications for treatment. Furthermore, attention should be focused on the physical health of those suffering from depression.
Heiskanen
Tuula H
TH
Department of Psychiatry, Kuopio University Hospital, Kuopio, Finland. tuula.heiskanen@kuh.fi
Niskanen
Leo K
LK
Hintikka
Jukka J
JJ
Koivumaa-Honkanen
Heli T
HT
Honkalampi
Kirsi M
KM
Haatainen
Kaisa M
KM
Viinamäki
Heimo T
HT
D000367:Age Factors; D000553:Ambulatory Care; D015897:Comorbidity; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D005260:Female; D005387:Finland / Q000453:epidemiology; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D024821:Metabolic Syndrome / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010555:Personality Inventory / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D015995:Prevalence; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors