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

Negative emotional states, such as nervousness, anxiety, depression, and tension, exert profound detrimental effects on an individual's quality of life and overall health. Although certain widely prescribed medications have been observed to modulate these emotional states, the existing body of research in this domain remains insufficient. To address this gap, Mendelian randomization (MR) methodologies, leveraging large-scale datasets, were employed to investigate the causal relationships between 21 commonly utilized medications and the manifestation of negative emotions.

The inverse variance weighting (IVW) method was employed as the primary analytical strategy to analyze causal relationships. MR-Egger, weighted mode, and weighted median approaches were utilized to enhance the robustness of the results. Sensitivity analyses were conducted to assess the stability of the data.

Agents acting on the renin-angiotensin system, β-blocking agents, antithrombotic agents, and salicylic acid and derivatives could reduce the risk of nervousness, anxiety, tension, or depression (OR = 0.61, 95% CI 0.37 to 0.99, p = 0.047; OR = 0.59, 95% CI 0.36 to 0.98, p = 0.041; OR = 0.55, 95% CI 0.34 to 0.88, p = 0.013; OR = 0.61, 95% CI 0.40 to 0.95, p = 0.030), with no heterogeneity, horizontal pleiotropy, or reverse causation (p > 0.05).

This study revealed four medications associated with reducing the risk of negative emotions, providing clinicians with a scientific basis for medication selection to better assist patients in alleviating psychological issues and improving their quality of life.