Depression and osteoporosis

Townsend Letter for Doctors and Patients,  April, 2005  by Robert A. Anderson

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Psychoneuroimmunoendocrinology describes the unity of mental, neurological, hormonal and immunological functions, addressing the impact of cognitive images of the mind (whatever its elusive definition) on the central nervous, endocrine and immune systems. It encompasses biofeedback and voluntary controls, impacts on physiology of thought and beliefs, past and present stress, placebos, social relationships and "energy medicine." This column highlights cogent studies from these arenas regarding holistic medicine in the new millennium.

The relationship between osteoporosis and indices of psychopathology and well-being were studied in 102 Portuguese white women. Depressive symptoms were assessed by the Beck Depression Inventory, psychopathology by the Hopkins Symptom CheckList-90 Revised (SCL-90-R), quality of life by the Psychological General Well-Being Index and other data from a questionnaire comprising social, demographic, clinical, and behavioral characteristics. The prevalence of osteoporosis was 47.1%. Women with osteoporosis vs. women without had significantly higher scores on the BDI (16 vs. 13, p=.045) and lower scores for hostility (0.8 vs. 1.2, p=.012) and phobic anxiety (1.1 vs. 1.5, p=.041) on subscales of the SCL-90-R. No differences were found for mean general well-being scores (62 vs. 64, NS).

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Coelho R et al. Bone mineral density and depression: a community study in women. J Psychosom Res 1999 Jan; 46(1):29-35

Comment: This study showed that women with osteoporosis have a significantly higher prevalence of depression independent of other factors strongly associated with osteoporosis such as age and BMI. Depression and osteoporosis were significantly related.

by Robert A. Anderson, MD

614 Daniels Drive NE

East Wenatchee, Washington 98802 USA

COPYRIGHT 2005 The Townsend Letter Group
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