The potential causal relationship between various lifestyles and depression: a univariable and multivariable...

Area of Science:

• Epidemiology
• Psychiatry
• Genetics

Background:

• Previous research indicates a link between lifestyle factors and depression.
• Understanding the causal relationships is crucial for developing effective interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the causal associations between various lifestyle factors and depression using Mendelian randomization (MR).
• To differentiate between risk and protective factors for depression.

Main Methods:

• Utilized Mendelian randomization (MR) analysis, including univariable (UVMR) and multivariable (MVMR) approaches.
• Employed single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) associated with depression and lifestyle factors.
• Conducted sensitivity analyses to ensure the robustness of the findings.

Main Results:

• UVMR identified eight lifestyle factors causally associated with depression: risk factors included alcohol consumption, insomnia, BMI, mood swings, and mobile phone use; protective factors included beef intake and never smoking.
• MVMR revealed that mood swings, mobile phone use, and beef intake had independent effects on depression when considered together.
• Sensitivity analyses confirmed the reliability of the univariable MR results.

Conclusions:

• Specific lifestyle factors, including alcohol intake, sleep disturbances, BMI, mood swings, and mobile phone usage, are causally linked to depression.
• Dietary factors like beef intake and smoking status also play a role, with beef intake showing a protective effect.
• Mood swings, mobile phone usage, and beef intake emerged as significant independent predictors of depression in a multivariable context.