Depression's Dual Battle: Unmasking Its Physical Toll

A study reveals that depression can accelerate the onset of chronic conditions like osteoarthritis and hypertension by 30% faster compared to those unaffected by the mental disorder. Researchers highlight the necessity of treatment approaches that address both mental and physical health to improve patient outcomes.

According to a new study, adults suffering from depression are at risk of developing chronic physical conditions such as osteoarthritis and hypertension 30% faster compared to those without a history of the disorder. The findings emphasize the complex interplay between mental and physical health.

Led by the University of Edinburgh, the research reviewed over 1.7 lakh participants from the UK Biobank. The study, published in PLOS Medicine, shows that depressed individuals developed an average of 0.2 additional physical conditions yearly, as opposed to 0.16 in non-depressed participants.

The report suggests that effective treatment approaches should address both mental and physical health simultaneously, paving the way for holistic healthcare strategies. The research also underscores lifestyle risk factors like smoking and obesity, as pivotal in managing depression's physical effects.

(With inputs from agencies.)