Depression is harmful, as is smoking and obesity

WASHINGTON – NEW YORK (Reuters Health) – Anxiety and depression can be a predictor of disparate diseases such as heart disease, high blood pressure, arthritis, back pain, back pain and headaches. stomach, and have effects similar to long-term risk factors such as smoking and obesity, have shown new studies.

The study included data on the health of more than 15,000 adults over four years. Sixteen percent (2225 people) had high levels of anxiety and depression, 31% (4737 people) were obese and 14% (2125) were current smokers, according to a study published in the journal Health Psychology of 17 December. .

The study found that people with high levels of anxiety and depression increased their risk of heart disease by 65%, were more likely to be victims of a stroke. 64%, and were at a higher risk of developing hypertension up to 50% and arthritis by 87%. Compared to those who do not suffer from anxiety and depression.

"This increased risk is similar to that of smokers or obese people," said one of the researchers involved in the study. However, with regard to arthritis, it seems that extreme anxiety and depression lead to higher risks than those caused by smoking and obesity. "

On the other hand, unlike the other diseases studied, cancer is an exception: researchers say that high rates of depression and anxiety do not contribute to cancer. This is confirmed by the results of previous studies, but is in contradiction with the idea of ​​prevalent in many patients.