Association between subclinical hypothyroidism and metabolic syndrome among individuals with depression

Although the connection among low thyroid function, metabolic abnormalities, and depression is well documented, the relationship between subclinical hypothyroidism (SCH) and metabolic syndrome (MetS) in depression remains unclear. This study examined the association between SCH and MetS in a large sample with depression.

The study analyzed 370 individuals with depression who participated in the 2014 Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey. Associations between the presence of SCH and MetS were estimated after adjusting for related factors using multivariate logistic regression analysis.

In the 370 individuals with depression, the prevalence of SCH was 9.4% (SE = 1.6%). The prevalence of MetS was significantly higher in depressed individuals with than in those without SCH (56.3 ± 9.5% vs. 22.8 ± 2.6%; p = 0.001). After adjusting for covariates, the odds of having MetS were 7.127 times greater among depressed individuals with SCH than among those without SCH (95% confidence interval, 2.077-24.458).

The cross-sectional study design prevented inferences regarding causality and the effects of changes in variables.

Depressed individuals with SCH are more likely to meet the criteria for MetS. These results highlight the significance of low thyroid function and the metabolic burden of individuals with depression.