Depression may be a risk factor for osteoporosis

By April Clarkson, May 10th, 2013 | Health | 0 Comments

Depression may be a risk factor for osteoporosis, perhaps because of increased levels of the stress hormone cortisol.
Researchers for the US National Institute for Mental Health (NIMH) have reviewed all the evidence for a link between depression and low bone density, which may lead to osteoporosis and an increased risk of bone fracture. Many studies do indeed support such a link. For example, one report shows bone density in the spine to be 15 per cent lower in depressed men and women over 40 compared to people without depression.

That’s why NIMH has set up its own study to investigate this important problem. They will look at a group of women aged between 21 and 45 diagnosed with depression . They will give them regular bone density tests over a period of a year, along with an assessment of psychological health and measurement of levels of the stress hormone cortisol. We already know that levels of cortisol are often elevated in depression and this could be the link to osteoporosis.

The study will show whether women with depression and normal bone density to start with do begin to lose bone faster than women who aren’t depressed. It will also look at whether the drug alendronate can maintain or increase bone mass in women with depression and low bone mass, and so protect them from osteoporosis.

In the meantime, people with unexplained bone loss should be examined for depression, say the researchers. And if someone is known to be depressed, the doctor should be on the lookout for signs of osteoporosis.