Different Types of Depression Linked to Specific Cardiometabolic Diseases
New research presented today at the ECNP Congress in Amsterdam reveals a link between specific forms of depression and the development of different cardiometabolic diseases, potentially paving the way for more targeted mental and physical healthcare.
Researchers followed 5,794 adults in the Netherlands Epidemiology of Obesity (NEO) Study for seven years, beginning with participants who had no pre-existing diabetes or cardiovascular disease. Participants completed questionnaires to assess depressive symptoms, which were then categorized into two main types: “melancholic” depression, characterized by early morning awakening and loss of appetite, and “atypical/energy-related” depression, defined by fatigue, increased sleep, and higher appetite. Approximately 8% of participants developed a cardiometabolic disorder during the study period.
The study found that individuals with “atypical/energy-related” depression were 2.7 times more likely to develop Type 2 diabetes than those without depressive symptoms, but did not show a higher risk of cardiovascular disease. Conversely, those with “melancholic” depression were 1.5 times more likely to experience cardiovascular disease, such as heart attack or stroke, but did not have a significantly greater risk of Type 2 diabetes. This highlights the complex interplay between mental and physical health, and the growing need to understand these connections. “Further metabolic analysis revealed that patients with the atypical/energy-related symptoms showed disruptions in inflammatory and metabolic processes linked to cardiometabolic health,” explained lead researcher Dr. Yuri Milaneschi of Amsterdam UNC. “This biological signature was not seen in those with ‘melancholic’ symptoms, suggesting biochemical differences in the way that different types of depression link to cardiovascular health.”
Commenting on the findings, Dr. Chiara Fabbri of the University of Bologna emphasized the importance of addressing physical health alongside mental health. “The prevention and treatment of physical diseases in people with depression are not less important than the treatment of depression,” she said. The International Diabetes Federation projects a 10% increase in diabetes cases in the EUR Region by 2050, underscoring the urgency of preventative measures and improved monitoring. Further research is needed to explore these findings and develop personalized treatment strategies, potentially utilizing National Institute of Mental Health resources for diagnosis and support.
Researchers indicated that these findings support the concept of “precision psychiatry,” tailoring treatment to individual mental health profiles and associated physical risks.
