Lifestyle changes are related to reductions in depression in persons with elevated coronary risk factors.
This observational study investigates whether persons with elevated coronary risk factors (CRFs > 3 and/or diabetes) and depression [i.e., ≥ 16 on the Center for Epidemiological Scale - Depression (CES-D)] can make changes in health behaviours over 3 months and improve depressive symptoms and other CRFs. Analyses were based on data from 310 men and 687 women enrolled in the high-risk arm of the Multisite Cardiac Lifestyle Intervention Program, targeting diet (10% fat), exercise (3 h per week) and stress management (7 h per week). As expected, at study entry, depressed persons had a more adverse medical status, consumed more dietary fat and practiced less stress management than non-depressed persons. To examine 3-month changes, participants were grouped into (1) depressed persons who became non-depressed (CES-D ≤ 16, n = 248; 73%), (2) persons who remained or became depressed (CES-D > 16, n = 76) and (3) non-depressed persons who remained non-depressed (n = 597). All persons, regardless of group, met program goals. The greatest improvements (i.e., diet, exercise, perceived stress, hostility and mental health) were observed in Group 1 relative to Groups 2 and 3, which did not differ from each other. Comprehensive lifestyle changes appear to be feasible and beneficial for initially depressed persons with elevated CRFs.
Pischke
Claudia Ruth
CR
Harvard School of Public Health, Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, 44 Binney Street LW703, Boston, MA 02130, USA.
Frenda
Steven
S
Ornish
Dean
D
Weidner
Gerdi
G
D000368:Aged; D003324:Coronary Artery Disease / Q000209:etiology*; D003863:Depression / Q000517:prevention & control*; D005260:Female; D015438:Health Behavior; D006293:Health Promotion; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012307:Risk Factors; D040242:Risk Reduction Behavior