Metabolic Syndrome and Depression

Recent studies have shown that there is a link between Depression and Metabolic Syndrome.  According to the Mayo Clinic, the clinical symptoms Metabolic Syndrome are as follows: 
"Having metabolic syndrome means you have three or more disorders related to your metabolism at the same time, including:

• Obesity, particularly around your waist (having an "apple shape")
• A systolic (top number) blood pressure measurement higher than 120 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) or a diastolic (bottom number) blood pressure measurement higher than 80 mm Hg
• An elevated level of the blood fat called triglycerides and a low level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol — the "good" cholesterol
• Resistance to insulin, a hormone that helps to regulate the amount of sugar in your body"

I also know Metabolic Syndrome also includes problems with regard to Pre-diabetes, Diabetes type II, Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) and Thyroid problems, too. 

This study, http://www.psychiatrist.com/abstracts/abstracts.asp?abstract=200802/020801.htm called

Metabolic Syndrome Predisposes to Depressive Symptoms: A Population-Based 7-Year Follow-Up Study  concluded this: "The higher rate of depressive symptoms in the subgroup with metabolic syndrome suggests that the metabolic syndrome may be an important predisposing factor for the development of depression. Effective prevention and treatment of metabolic syndrome could also be important for the prevention of depression."

Let's talk Depression:  According to the DSM IV, which is the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the most the most widely used psychiatric reference in the world, Major Depression is a mood disorder which "consists of many of the following symptoms and occurs nearly every day for at least two weeks:

• Depressed mood most of the day; feeling sad or empty, tearful
• Significant loss of interest or pleasure in activities that used to be enjoyable
• Significant weight loss (when not dieting) or weight gain; decrease or increase in appetite
• Difficulty sleeping or sleeping too much
• Agitation; or slowing down of thoughts and reduction of physical movements
• Fatigue or loss of energy
• Feelings of worthlessness or inappropriate guilt
• Poor concentration or having difficulty making decisions
• Thinking about death or suicide"

There is also situational depression, such as feeling depressed over a situation such as the loss of a relationship or a loved one, for example.  There also may be depression because of a family history of the disease.  There are many types of depression.

All this made me think if someone is diagnosed with Metabolic Syndrome, there is a good chance for  depression to be in the picture.  I have been told that, in a nutshell, when hormonal levels are not right, when blood sugar is off, then the brain is off and emotions are out of balance.  (Metabolic Syndrome)

Then I thought, wouldn't it make sense if we treated and or prevented Metabolic Syndrome by focusing on diet, exercise, lifestyle changes and medication when needed, then we could also prevent or lessen the symptoms of depression?  This is something to really think about doing for yourself, for your well-being of body, mind and spirit! 

In conclusion, if you are dealing with Metabolic Syndrome, you may also be experiencing depression.  Is it that your mental health could significantly improve right along with your hormonal balance?  This is a very important point to discuss with your health care professional.

References:

© 1998-2010 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER).

J Clin Psychiatry 2008;69:178-182
DSM IV