Related Experiment Video
Updated: Oct 23, 2025
07:57
A New Method for Inducing a Depression-Like Behavior in Rats
Published on: February 22, 2018
21.3K
Mood disorders increase mortality mainly through dementia: A community-based prospective cohort study
Hoyoung An1, Hee Won Yang2, Dae Jong Oh3,4
1Seongnam Sarang Hospital, Seongnam, South Korea.
The Australian and New Zealand Journal of Psychiatry
|August 23, 2021
Summary
Depressive and bipolar disorders significantly increase mortality risk, primarily by elevating dementia risk. Preventing dementia may be key to reducing mortality in mood disorder patients.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Mood disorders, including depressive and bipolar disorders, are associated with increased mortality.
- The relationship between mood disorders, dementia, and mortality requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine the direct and indirect effects of depressive and bipolar disorders on 6-year mortality risk.
- To determine if dementia risk mediates the association between mood disorders and mortality.
Main Methods:
- A community-based prospective cohort study of 5101 Koreans.
- Cox proportional hazard analysis and structural equation modeling were used to estimate risks and effects.
Main Results:
- Depressive and bipolar disorders were linked to higher 6-year mortality (51% and 85% increases) and dementia risk (82% and 127% increases).
- Structural equation modeling indicated that the impact of mood disorders on mortality was largely mediated by dementia risk.
- Direct effects of mood disorders on mortality were not statistically significant.
Conclusions:
- Depressive and bipolar disorders elevate risks for both mortality and dementia.
- Dementia acts as a significant mediator in the pathway from mood disorders to mortality.
- Interventions targeting dementia prevention may effectively reduce mortality in individuals with mood disorders.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Dementia
254
Dementia is a collective term for cognitive disorders primarily affecting memory, thinking, and reasoning. It is not a specific disease but a syndrome, with Alzheimer's disease being the most common cause, accounting for approximately 60-80% of cases. Other types include vascular dementia, Lewy body dementia, and frontotemporal dementia. Dementia affects millions worldwide, particularly older adults, though it is not a normal part of aging.
The progression of dementia is generally gradual....
The progression of dementia is generally gradual....
254
01:27Depressive Disorders: MDD and Dysthymia
253
Depressive disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterized by pervasive feelings of sadness, diminished pleasure in life, and a significant impact on daily functioning. These conditions are most prevalent in individuals during their 30s and affect women at twice the rate of men. Contrary to popular belief, younger individuals are generally more susceptible to these disorders than older adults. Two key types of depressive disorders include Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and...
253
01:27Depressive Disorders: Etiology
189
Depressive disorders result from a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors, each contributing uniquely to the development and persistence of the condition. Understanding these factors provides critical insight into the multifaceted nature of depression.
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...
189
01:26Alzheimer's Disease: Overview
871
Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a continually advancing neurodegenerative disorder, distinguished by escalating memory loss, cognitive dysfunction, and dementia. The disease unfolds in three stages: preclinical, mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and dementia. Its onset is insidious, and the progression gradual, with the cause not well explained by other disorders.
The clinical diagnosis of AD hinges on the presence of memory and other cognitive impairments. Biomarkers, such as changes in Aβ...
The clinical diagnosis of AD hinges on the presence of memory and other cognitive impairments. Biomarkers, such as changes in Aβ...
871
01:27Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM)
322
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) serves as the primary classification system for mental health disorders, providing standardized diagnostic criteria for clinicians and researchers. First published by the American Psychiatric Association (APA) in 1952, the DSM has undergone several revisions to reflect evolving psychiatric understanding. The fifth edition, DSM-5, released in 2013, introduced key updates that expanded diagnostic categories and modified diagnostic...
322
01:18Depression: Overview
484
Depression is a prevalent mental illness marked by persistent sadness and lack of interest in previously enjoyable activities. It can take several forms, including major depression, persistent depressive disorder, and bipolar I and II disorders. Symptoms range from emotional changes like chronic worry to physical changes like sleep disturbances and suicidal thoughts. From a neurobiological perspective, depression is believed to be triggered by abnormalities in the brain's prefrontal cortex,...
484