Scientists from Washington University in St. Louis found that having Metabolic Syndrome makes it harder for older adults to respond to therapies for depression.
Metabolic Syndrome is a mix of conditions like increased blood pressure, high blood sugar levels, excess body fat around the waist, and abnormal cholesterol levels.
In the study, researchers examined whether Metabolic Syndrome in depressed older adults affects their response to antidepressant treatment.
Older adults who have a major depressive disorder (MDD, also known as depression) are at higher risk of having problems thinking and making decisions.
They are more likely to have trouble performing their regular daily activities and managing their personal care.
These problems can lead to poorer health in general and a higher risk of death compared to older adults who are not depressed.
The study included adults aged 60 and older with Metabolic Syndrome and depression (confirmed by two separate assessments).
Researchers treated participants with the antidepressant venlafaxine. After six weeks of treatment, the dose was increased if participants’ depression scores were still high.
The researchers found in people with Metabolic Syndrome, their life history of depression was more chronic.
Their depression symptoms at the beginning of the study were more severe. They took longer to respond to antidepressant therapy.
The researchers say that older adults with Metabolic Syndrome may be an important group of people for healthcare providers to pay close attention to when screening for and treating depression.
If you care about depression, please read studies about 10 easy self-care tips for depression you need to know and 10 ways you can overcome depression.
For more information about depression, please see recent studies that doing this can reduce depression relapse, and results showing this therapy can effectively treat pain, depression, and anxiety.
The research was published in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society.
Copyright © 2022 Knowridge Science Report. All rights reserved.
