ScienceDaily (Jan. 19, 2009) — A review article which is published in the current issue of the European Journal Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics analyzes the relationship between depression and bone metabolism.

This study reveals that the association between psychiatric illness, in particular depression, and osteoporosis has been the subject of a growing body of research yielding various findings, although most identify some effect on bone. In addition to medication-related processes and/or modifiable lifestyle factors associated with mood disturbances, endocrine and immune alteration secondary to depression may play a pathogenetic role in bone metabolism.

There are data to suggest low bone mineral density is disproportionately prevalent among those with psychiatric disorders. This paper aims to review the current evidence on the relationship between depression and bone mineral density, and identify potential mechanisms. Relevant sources were identified from the Pubmed and Web of Science (ISI) databases from the first relevant publication in 1994 to the present, 2007, using a combination of key words and terms including depression, major depressive disorder, osteoporosis, bone mineral density, hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis, cortisol, cytokines, leptin, antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, smoking, alcohol, physical activity and diet. Reference lists of chosen articles were further reviewed for associated publications.

The possible association between psychiatric illness, in particular depression, and osteoporosis has been the subject of a growing body of research yielding various findings, although most identify some effect on bone. In addition to medication-related processes and/or modifiable lifestyle factors associated with mood disturbances, endocrine and immune alteration secondary to depression may play a pathogenetic role in bone metabolism.

Additional longitudinal studies, with the advantage of temporal sequencing, remain to be conducted, as well as research into potential mechanisms surrounding the association. Nevertheless, the current findings are of clinical relevance, given the health burden of both depression and osteoporosis.

Recommend this story on Facebook, Twitter,
and Google +1:

Other bookmarking and sharing tools:

Story Source:

The above story is reprinted from materials provided by Journal of Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, via AlphaGalileo.

Note: Materials may be edited for content and length. For further information, please contact the source cited above.

Disclaimer: This article is not intended to provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Views expressed here do not necessarily reflect those of ScienceDaily or its staff.

Related Stories

Antidepressant Use May Boost Fracture Risk (May 30, 2007) — Evidence is accumulating that depression is a risk factor for osteoporosis. A recent study found that people ages 50 and over who regularly took antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake ...  > read more

Connection Between Depression and Osteoporosis Detailed (Nov. 30, 2009) — Research carried out among thousands of people has shown a clear connection between depression and a loss of bone mass, leading to osteoporosis and ...  > read more

Depression Increases Risk Of Alzheimer's Disease, Study Suggests (Apr. 10, 2008) — People who have had depression are more likely to develop Alzheimer's disease than people who have never had depression, according to a new study. The study involved 486 people age 60 to 90 who had ...  > read more

Vertigo Linked To Osteoporosis (Mar. 29, 2009) — People who have osteoporosis are more likely to also have vertigo, according to a new study. Vertigo is an inner ear disorder that is a common cause of ...  > read more

Search ScienceDaily