Relationship between 21 Medications and Negative Emotions: A Mendelian Randomization Analysis in Asian Populations

Area of Science:

• Pharmacogenomics
• Psychiatric Epidemiology
• Biostatistics

Background:

• Negative emotional states significantly impair quality of life and health.
• Existing research on medications for these conditions is limited.
• Causal links between medications and negative emotions require further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the causal relationships between 21 common medications and negative emotional states.
• To identify specific drug classes that may reduce the risk of nervousness, anxiety, depression, and tension.
• To provide evidence-based guidance for medication selection in managing psychological distress.

Main Methods:

• Employed Mendelian randomization (MR) methodologies using large-scale datasets.
• Utilized inverse variance weighting (IVW) as the primary analytical strategy.
• Performed sensitivity analyses including MR-Egger, weighted mode, and weighted median for robustness.

Main Results:

• Four medication classes were associated with a reduced risk of negative emotions.
• Agents acting on the renin-angiotensin system (OR=0.61), beta-blocking agents (OR=0.59), antithrombotic agents (OR=0.55), and salicylic acid derivatives (OR=0.61) showed significant effects.
• Analyses confirmed no significant heterogeneity, horizontal pleiotropy, or reverse causation.

Conclusions:

• Identified four medication classes that can decrease the risk of negative emotional states.
• Findings offer a scientific basis for clinicians to select medications for psychological well-being.
• This research supports improving patient quality of life through targeted pharmacotherapy.