Physical function as predictor for the persistence of depressive and anxiety disorders.
BACKGROUND
Depressive and anxiety disorders often involve a chronic course. This study examined whether objective physical function is a predictor for the persistence of depressive and anxiety disorders.


METHODS
The study sample consisted of 1206 persons with depressive and anxiety disorders at baseline. Hand grip strength and lung function were used as objective physical function measurements and were determined at baseline. Outcome variable was a 6-month depressive and/or anxiety diagnosis after 2 years of follow-up.


RESULTS
Lower hand grip strength predicted the persistence of depressive and/or anxiety disorders at 2-year follow-up (per SD increase: OR=0.82, CI: 0.69-0.99, p=0.04). Associations were consistent for depressive and anxiety disorder persistence. Poorer lung function was associated with the persistence of depressive disorders (per SD increase: OR=0.83, CI: 0.70-0.98, p=0.03) but not with anxiety disorders.


CONCLUSIONS
Follow-up was limited to 2 years.


CONCLUSIONS
Objectively measured poorer physical function predicted the persistence of depressive and/or anxiety disorders.
Department of Psychiatry, EMGO+ Institute for Health and Care Research, VU University Medical Center, Amsterdam, The Netherlands. b.vanmilligen@ggzingeest.nl
Bianca A
BA
van Milligen
Nicole
N
Vogelzangs
Jan H
JH
Smit
Brenda W J H
BW
Penninx
D000328:Adult; D001008:Anxiety Disorders / Q000503:physiopathology*; D002908:Chronic Disease / Q000523:psychology; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000503:physiopathology*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D018737:Hand Strength; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D012129:Respiratory Function Tests