Physical comorbidities in men with mood and anxiety disorders: a population-based study

Abstract

BackgroundThe mind-body nexus has been a topic of growing interest. Further data are however required to understand the specific relationship between mood and anxiety disorders and individual physical health conditions, and to verify whether these psychiatric disorders are linked to overall medical burden.MethodsThis study examined data collected from 942 men, 20 to 97 years old, participating in the Geelong Osteoporosis Study. A lifetime history of mood and anxiety disorders was identified using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV-TR Research Version, Non-patient edition (SCID-I/NP). The presence of medical conditions (lifetime) was self-reported and confirmed by medical records, medication use or clinical data. Anthropometric measurements and socioeconomic status (SES) were determined and information on medication use and lifestyle was obtained via questionnaire. Logistic regression models were used to test the associations.ResultsAfter adjustment for age, socioeconomic status, and health risk factors (body mass index, physical activity and smoking), mood disorders were associated with gastro oesophageal reflux disease (GORD), recurrent headaches, blackouts and/or epilepsy, liver disorders and pulmonary disease in older people, whilst anxiety disorders were significantly associated with thyroid, GORD and other gastrointestinal disorders, and psoriasis. Increased odds of high medical burden were associated with both mood and anxiety disorders.ConclusionsOur study provides further population-based evidence supporting the link between mental and physical illness in men. Understanding these associations is not only necessary for individual management, but also to inform the delivery of health promotion messages and health care.

Endocrine and metabolic function in male Carioca High-conditioned Freezing rats

“…Some human studies also suggested a relationship between anxiety disorders and thyroid abnormalities [33,36]. In the present study, we found lower T3 levels in CHF animals, whereas serum TSH and T4 levels remained unchanged in these animals.…”

Non-cancer morbidity among Estonian Chernobyl cleanup workers: a register-based cohort study

“…It is common that people do not seek professional help for mental health problems 34. Untreated mental disorders can manifest as unexplained physical symptoms such as headache or back pain, or they are risk factors for somatic diseases (eg, thyroid diseases or diseases of the digestive system) 46 47. Thus, it is important to pay attention to mental and somatic diseases of Chernobyl cleanup workers simultaneously.…”

Anxiety and Related Disorders and Physical Illness

“…Indeed, these anxiety and related disorders occur frequently with a range of general medical disorders [4,5], including gastrointestinal disease [6], pulmonary disease [7, 8], cardiovascular disease [9], endocrine disorders [10], dermatological disorders [11] and cancer [12], as well as neuropsychiatric disorders such as chronic pain [13, 14], migraines [15], dementia [16] and Parkinson's disease [17]. In this chapter we review the epidemiology of comorbid anxiety and related disorders and physical illness, the growing evidence of a bidirectional relationship between these sets of conditions [18] and relevant randomized controlled trials in this area.…”