Researchers are interested in understanding what components can be used to identify people with a higher risk for anxiety, depression, and stress-related disorders. One recent study found that higher blood sugar and triglyceride levels were associated with an increased future risk for these mental health conditions. In contrast, higher levels of high-density lipoprotein or ‘good’ cholesterol were associated with a lower future risk. When doctors identify who is more at risk and find contributing factors, this can help deliver early treatment and reach positive health outcomes. A recent study published in JAMA Network Open examined several biomarkers and how these were associated with participants’ risk for depression, anxiety, and stress-related disorders.
The study included 211,200 participants from the Swedish Apolipoprotein-Related Mortality Risk (AMORIS) cohort who did not have any mental disorders at baseline. Researchers looked at metabolic biomarkers like blood sugar, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein or “bad” cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein or “good” cholesterol, and triglycerides. Participants were followed up for an average of 21 years to analyze the development of anxiety, depression, and stress-related disorders. Higher levels of blood sugar and triglycerides were associated with a higher risk for these mental disorders, while higher levels of “good” cholesterol were associated with a decreased risk. Participants who were diagnosed with these disorders also had higher levels of triglycerides, total cholesterol, and blood sugar during the twenty years before diagnosis.
One limitation of the study was that it was conducted in a specific population, making generalization of the results to other populations challenging. Future studies could include more diverse demographics to confirm these findings. Sensitivity analysis showed that higher levels of “bad” cholesterol and total cholesterol were associated with a decreased risk of mental illnesses, warranting further investigation. Possible confounding factors and detection bias were also noted by researchers. It was suggested that controlling and monitoring metabolic markers could be helpful not only for physical well-being but also for mental health. Physicians should be on the lookout for symptoms of depression and anxiety in patients with metabolic syndrome and specific biomarker levels.
Alex Dimitriu, double board-certified in psychiatry and sleep medicine, noted that high levels of glucose and triglycerides, and low levels of “healthy” HDL protein were associated with increased risk of mental health conditions. Elevated inflammation and autonomic dysregulation may be associated with these markers. Cheng-Han Chen, an interventional cardiologist, highlighted the complexity of the relationship between cardiovascular risk factors and mental health. This study suggests that the management of certain metabolic markers may be useful beyond physical health, and individuals can work with medical professionals to ensure cholesterol and blood sugar levels are within healthy ranges through diet, exercise, and omega-3 fish oil supplements. As research advances, it is essential for physicians to monitor patients for proper diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions.
