Metabolic syndrome is associated with self-perceived depression.
OBJECTIVE
To study the association between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and self-perceived depression.


METHODS
A cross-sectional community-based study.


METHODS
Semi-rural community of Lapinlahti in eastern Finland in 2005.


METHODS
A total of 416 subjects in eight adult birth cohorts (55%) with complete Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-21) questionnaire data.


METHODS
The values of the 21 BDI items and the BDI-21 total score with a cut-off point of 14/15 were used to study the association between MetS and depression. National Cholesterol Education Programme (NCEP) 2005 criteria were used for MetS classification.


RESULTS
The total BDI-21 score was significantly higher in the subjects with MetS than in the subjects without MetS (p=0.020). Men with MetS were significantly worse off than men without MetS in the BDI-21 items of irritability (p=0.008), work inhibition (p=0.008), fatigability (p=0.037), weight loss (p=0.045), and loss of libido (p=0.014), while women were only so on the item of loss of libido (p=0.007). In a logistic regression analysis using a BDI-21 cut-off point of 14/15 adjusted for age, marital status, vocational education, and working status, significant association was retained between perceived depression and elevated blood glucose among men (OR=1.697) and large waist circumference among women (OR=1.066).


CONCLUSIONS
Elevated plasma glucose in men and central obesity in women are associated with self-perceived depression. This co-occurrence deserves attention in clinical practice.
Miettola
Juhani
J
Family Practice Unit, Kuopio University Hospital & University of Kuopio, Finland. juhani.miettola@uku.fi
Niskanen
Leo K
LK
Viinamäki
Heimo
H
Kumpusalo
Esko
E
D000328:Adult; D001786:Blood Glucose / Q000032:analysis; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003863:Depression / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008055:Lipids / Q000097:blood; D008297:Male; D024821:Metabolic Syndrome / Q000150:complications* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology; D008875:Middle Aged; D012649:Self Concept; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D055105:Waist Circumference
D001786:Blood Glucose; D008055:Lipids