According to a widespread prejudice, depression and anxiety are illnesses “that only exist in the head”. However, according to a new study conducted by Columbia University’s Mailman School of Public Health (in the United States), these mental disorders have a very concrete impact on the body…
The study was conducted among 5037 adults in São Paulo – Brazil. All the volunteers suffered from mood and/or anxiety disorders, pathologies that are defined (and recognized) in the DSM-IV, the reference manual for psychiatrists in the United States.
The researchers first found that 50% of the volunteers who suffered from mood disorders (which includes depression and bipolarity) also suffered from chronic pain on a daily basis; 33% had difficulty breathing; 10% cardiovascular problems; 9% suffered from arthritis and 7% from type 2 diabetes.
The risk of hypertension is also higher
As for the volunteers concerned by anxiety, the scientists noted 45% of participants affected by chronic pain; 30% by respiratory disorders; 11% by arthritis and/or cardiovascular problems. In addition, in all patients (whether suffering from mood or anxiety disorders), the risk of hypertension was increased by +23%.
“This work allows us to approach the question of mental disorders from a new angle, analyzes Dr. Silvia Martins, main author of this work published in the specialist journal Journal of Affective Disorders. Health professionals must take into account the physical impact of these illnesses, which are not only mental. Appropriate treatments must be offered to patients. »
As a reminder, in France, depression affects 3 million people. According to INPES (National Institute for Prevention and Health Education), 19% of the French population aged 15 to 75 has experienced or will experience a depressive episode during their lifetime.
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