Depression, anxiety disorders, and metabolic syndrome in a population at risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus

Kai G. Kahl*, Ulrich Schweiger, Christoph Correll, Conrad Müller, Marie Luise Busch, Michael Bauer, Peter Schwarz

*Corresponding author for this work
51 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Background: Depressive symptoms have been associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), but less is known about anxiety disorders that can be comorbid or exist without depression. Methods: We evaluated the prevalence of psychiatric disorders in subjects consecutively examined at an outpatient clinic for diabetes prevention who were at-risk for T2DM, defined by FINDRISK scores, and compared metabolic syndrome (MetS) frequencies between subjects with and without psychiatric morbidity, entering also relevant variables for MetS into multivariate analyses. All subjects underwent an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). Psychiatric diagnosis was confirmed using a Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV. Results: Of 260 consecutively screened subjects, 150 (56.9 ± 8.1 years old, males = 56.7%, BMI = 27.2 ± 4.1 kg/m2) were at-risk for T2DM and were included. MetS, present in 27% of males and 25% of females, was significantly associated with having a current anxiety disorder (P < 0.001) and lifetime major depression (P < 0.001). In logistic regression analysis, MetS was significantly associated with lifetime major depression, presence of any anxiety disorder, body weight, and physical activity. Conclusions: Our data in a high-risk group for T2DM support the association between depressive disorders and MetS, pointing to a similar role of anxiety disorders. Screening for anxiety and depression is recommended in this group at risk for T2DM. We evaluated the prevalence of psychiatric disorders in subjects consecutively examined at an outpatient clinic for diabetes prevention who were at-risk for type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Of 260 screened patients, 150 were included. The metabolic syndrome was present in 27% of males and 25% of females, and was significantly associated with having a current anxiety disorder (P < 0.001) and lifetime major depression (P < 0.001). Our data in a high-risk group for T2DM support the association between depressive disorders and MetS, pointing to a similar role of anxiety disorders. Screening for anxiety and depression is recommended in this group at risk for T2DM.

Original languageEnglish
JournalBrain and Behavior
Volume5
Issue number3
Pages (from-to)7
Number of pages1
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 01.03.2015

Research Areas and Centers

  • Academic Focus: Center for Brain, Behavior and Metabolism (CBBM)

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