Depression increases chance of early death – Research

Nigerians troubled by the current stressful economic condition in the country may have to take things easy to avoid depression.

This is because depression increases the risk of an early death by up to three times, new research reveals.

Men’s risk of premature death increases three-fold when suffering from the mental health condition, while women’s risk is heightened by up to 51 percent, a study found.

The findings were published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal. Previous research reveals depression causes the release of stress hormones that suppress the immune system, putting sufferers at increased risk of conditions such as cancer.

People with the mental health condition may also be more likely to have unhealthy lifestyle habits, including poor diet, inactivity and excessive alcohol intake, past studies have shown.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), there are 322 million people living with depression in the world.

The Society of Family Physicians of Nigeria (SOFPON) says seven million Nigerians are living with depression, a major risk factor for suicide.

Lead author Stephen Gilman from the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development in Maryland, says that “For some individuals, depression can be very serious condition. It is very important to seek treatment for depression and to be vigilant about recurrences.”

The researchers analyzed 3,410 adults between 1952 and 1967, 1968 and 1990, and 1991 and 2011. The study’s participants’ had an average age of 50 when the trial started.

Results reveal depression increases the risk of early death by up to three times. Men’s risk increases threefold, while women peaks at 51 percent. The risk is greatest in the years following a depressive episode.

Previous research has linked depression to the release of stress hormones that suppress the immune system, subjecting sufferers to increased risk of disorders – including multiple sclerosis, arthritis and even certain cancers.

Angela Onwuzoo