}

Depression increases the risk of death by 50%

2020/02/26 Galarraga Aiestaran, Ana - Elhuyar Zientzia Iturria: Elhuyar aldizkaria

Ed. Public domain

A study conducted in Spain reveals the relationship between depression and life expectancy. The study, conducted by researchers from universities and biomedical research centers in Madrid and Barcelona, has been corroborated by other international studies, in which depression is related to the decline in life years and not only by suicide but with general causes of death.

The researchers have analyzed for six years almost 4,600 people representing the Spanish population. And they observe that, in this period, people with depression have a 50% risk per word higher than the rest. The risk is even higher in young and middle-aged men: Men 18 to 64 years of age are 6 times more at risk of dying.

The result is partly surprising, as depression is more common among women and adults. Researchers believe that this may be due to lack of professional support and poor living habits, but they warn that they are only hypothetical.

In any case, they expect the research to be useful in focusing on the detection and treatment of depression, especially in the most vulnerable group.The study has been published in the Journal of Affective Dissorders.