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Correlation between serum lipid concentrations and psychological distress
1Department of Psychiatry, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, 138 Sheng-Li Road, 70428, Tainan, Taiwan. chwen@mail.ncku.edu.tw
Psychiatry Research
|June 16, 2001
Summary
This study found that lower high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels correlate with increased psychological distress, including depression and anxiety, in a Taiwanese population. Lower total cholesterol also linked to higher anxiety and psychoticism scores.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Cardiology
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Psychological distress is a growing public health concern.
- Serum lipid profiles are critical cardiovascular risk factors.
- The relationship between lipids and mental health requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between serum lipid levels and psychological distress.
- To explore correlations between specific lipid fractions and various psychological symptoms.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 4444 general health clinic attendees.
- Psychological symptoms assessed using the Taiwanese version of the Symptoms Check List 90, revised (T-SCL-90-R).
- Fasting serum lipids (total cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL-C) measured; multiple linear regression analysis performed.
Main Results:
- High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) showed significant inverse associations with depression, somatization, and phobic anxiety.
- Women with HDL-C < 35 mg/dl reported higher scores across multiple psychological distress domains.
- Total cholesterol < 160 mg/dl correlated with increased anxiety, aggressive hostility, phobia, and psychoticism.
Conclusions:
- This study reveals a reverse correlation between depression and serum HDL-C concentrations in the Taiwanese population.
- Lipid levels, particularly HDL-C, may be associated with psychological distress.
- Findings highlight potential links between metabolic health and mental well-being.