The association between statin use and depression in diabetes

Depression is a common mental disorder. Some studies have demonstrated that people with diabetes are more likely to suffer from depression. Statins are an everyday use for diabetes. Trials of statin therapy have had conflicting findings on the potential risk of depression.

The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005-2018 was used to collect a representative sample. Weighted multivariate logistic regression models were used to evaluate odds ratios (ORs) and 95 % CIs for having depression symptoms. We performed stratified analyses to compare the effects of statins in subsamples with and without diabetes on depression symptoms.

Statin use showed a significant and strong decreasing effect on having depression symptoms in participants with diabetes (aOR (adjusted OR) 0.59, p = 0.014) compared with that in non-diabetics (aOR 0.78, p = 0.128). Diabetic individuals with statin use for >5 years had a lower risk of having depression symptoms (aOR 0.42, p = 0.002) than those with shorter-term statin use (1-5 years, aOR 0.69, p = 0.111; <1 year: aOR 0.83, p = 0.646). Atorvastatin was more effective in decreasing depression symptoms either in diabetes (aOR 0.49, p = 0.018) or in non-diabetes (aOR 0.58, p = 0.033).

First, the dosage of statins cannot be obtained from NHANES datasets. Second, after being stratified, the number of participants for several statins was insufficient. Third, recall bias may exist in the survey.

Diabetics with depression symptoms may benefit from long-term statin therapy. Atorvastatin and pravastatin should be recommended for diabetic patients with depression.