Исследование показало, что сочетание хронических заболеваний удваивает риск развития депрессии

A recent study reveals that individuals with multiple chronic physical health conditions are at a much higher risk of developing depression. Researchers identified that certain combinations of illnesses, particularly those related to cardiometabolic health—such as diabetes and heart disease—can more than double the likelihood of a future depression diagnosis.

The study focused on participants aged 37 to 73 who had at least one chronic physical condition but no history of depression. By employing statistical clustering techniques, scientists grouped participants based on their health profiles and monitored how these clusters correlated with subsequent depression diagnoses.

One specific group, which faced the highest rates of physical health issues, also demonstrated the greatest risk for developing depression. This group did not exhibit a dominant illness but rather a variety of interconnected conditions. For instance, individuals with both heart disease and diabetes were identified as particularly vulnerable, as well as those suffering from chronic lung conditions such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Furthermore, liver and bowel conditions were associated with increased depression levels in both men and women. However, women with joint and bone issues, such as arthritis, were notably more affected than men in the same category.

In the highest-risk group, approximately one in every 12 individuals developed depression over a decade, compared to one in 25 among those without chronic conditions.

While the physical burden of these illnesses likely contributes to the increased risk of depression, researchers also noted that social and systemic factors could play a role in the mental health outcomes for patients with multimorbidity. Lauren DeLong, the lead author and Ph.D. student at the University of Edinburgh’s School of Informatics, stated, “We observed clear correlations between physical health conditions and the onset of depression. This study is merely the beginning, and we hope our findings encourage further research into how physical and mental health conditions are intertwined.”

Bruce Guthrie, a Professor of General Practice at the University of Edinburgh’s Advanced Care Research Center, emphasized the need for healthcare systems to integrate the management of physical and mental health. He said, “Traditionally, healthcare treats physical and mental health as separate entities. This study indicates that we must improve our approach to anticipating and managing depression among patients with physical illnesses.”

Professor Mike Lewis, NIHR’s Scientific Director of Innovation, highlighted the importance of data in understanding the impact of chronic conditions on patients. He stated, “Utilizing data to grasp the effects of chronic conditions will change patient treatment methods in the future. NIHR’s research in this field aims to present a holistic view of patient health rather than isolating individual health issues.”

The findings from this study call for more robust integrated care models that simultaneously address both mental and physical health, particularly for those living with multiple chronic conditions. Tackling this growing issue is essential as multimorbidity continues to strain healthcare systems worldwide.