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Behavioral implications of lowering cholesterol levels: a double-blind pilot study
Tom Ormiston1, Owen M Wolkowitz, Victor I Reus
1Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, San Jose, CA 95128, USA. Thomas.Ormiston@hhs.co.santa-clara.ca.us
Psychosomatics
|September 5, 2003
Summary
Cholesterol-lowering drugs may temporarily increase impulsivity in patients. However, these medications were also linked to improved depression ratings over time in a pilot study.
Area of Science:
- Pharmacology
- Psychiatry
- Cardiology
Background:
- Hypercholesterolemia treatment is linked to noncardiac mortality.
- Understanding behavioral changes during cholesterol reduction is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate behavioral associations with cholesterol level reduction.
- To examine the time-course of these behavioral changes.
Main Methods:
- Pilot study with 12 subjects.
- Administered cholesterol-reducing drugs or placebo.
- Measured cholesterol and behavioral ratings at baseline, 4, and 52 weeks.
Main Results:
- Cholesterol levels significantly declined.
- Impulsivity ratings increased at 4 weeks but normalized by 52 weeks.
- Depression ratings improved significantly by 52 weeks.
Conclusions:
- Cholesterol-lowering drugs may cause transient impulsivity increases.
- Delayed depressive symptom improvement is associated with these drugs.
- Further research is needed due to the small sample size.