Inflammation as the cause of the metabolic syndrome in depression

Physical ill-health is a common feature of depression. Cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and cancer are, for example, common occurrences and lead to increased morbidity and mortality. The question arises whether these changes are attributable to an unhealthy life style or due to genetic or other causes that are exacerbated by stress and adverse environmental factors. Of the various factors which have been implicated, chronic low-grade inflammation has received much attention in recent years. For this reason, the following review assesses the evidence that implicates inflammation in the psychopathology of major depression and how this is linked to the increased incidence of physical illness in these patients.