Correlates of metabolic syndrome in patients with depression: A study from north-western India

Metabolic syndrome (MS) is found to be prevalent in patients with mental illness including depression. Data is sparse on the role of lifestyle factors on MS in depression.

This study was aimed to assess correlates of MS in patients with depression.

Three hundred eighty-two patients with depressive disorders were assessed for the prevalence of MS by using modified National Cholesterol Education Program- Adult Treatment Panel-III criteria (NCEP ATP-III). Their illness severity, functionality, physical activity and nutritional habits were also assessed.

Majority of patients with depression (82.2%) were drug naive. One-fourth of the patients had metabolic syndrome (27.7%). Additionally, other 59% of patients had one or two metabolic abnormalities and one-third of patients were obese. Lower high density lipoprotein cholesterol level was the most common abnormality (65%), while abnormal blood pressure was the least common abnormality (18%). Significant correlates of MS were greater age, and age at onset of depression, greater illness duration, lesser physical activity and lower nutritional score.

Nearly one-fourth of patients with depression had MS; another three-fifth of patients had one or two metabolic abnormalities. MS was more commonly seen with sedentary lifestyle and poor nutritional habits. It calls for comprehensive assessment and timely management of cardiovascular risk factors as well as lifestyle factors in depression.