Exploring the Link between the Components of Metabolic Syndrome and the Risk of Depression

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) has been reported with an increased risk of depression. MetS was also associated with insulin resistance. This study aimed to evaluate whether MetS components might contribute to depression in participants with insulin resistance (IR) or not.

This study included 3,331 participants ≥18 years in the NHANES 2009-2010. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9). MetS components were measured using blood chemistry and body measurements. IR was identified using the homeostasis model assessment method.

Predicted PHQ-9 scores significantly increased as the number of MetS components increased in patients with IR. The adjusted β coefficients of the predicted PHQ-9 score with 2, 4, and 5 MetS components were 1.803, 2.081, and 3.048, respectively (P for trend < 0.05). Low HDL-C levels were significantly associated with higher predicted total PHQ-9 scores in fully adjusted models in the IR group (P < 0.05).

The results indicated that the presence of a greater number of components of MetS was significantly associated with higher predicted total PHQ-9 scores in participants with IR. Among the components of MetS, the most apparent association was observed between low HDL and higher predicted total PHQ-9 scores.