Association between depressive symptoms and use of HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors (statins), corticosteroids and histamine H(2) receptor antagonists in community-dwelling older persons: cross-sectional analysis of a population-based cohort

Antihypertensive Drug Use and the Risk of Depression: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis

Background: Although numerous cohort studies have reported an association between antihypertensives use and depression, the exact effect of antihypertensives on depression remains unclear.

Objective: To clarify the association between antihypertensives use and risk of depression.

Methods: We retrieved relevant literature using PubMed database until August 30, 2021. Four main classes of antihypertensives, thus, angiotensin antagonists, beta blockers, calcium channel blockers and diuretics were studied. The incidence of depression was pooled based on a single drug category. Network meta-analyses were conducted to comprehensively assess the effects of the four classes of antihypertensives on the risk of depression.

Results: A total of nine out of 9,557 studies involving 414,873 subjects were retrieved. The pooled results showed a positive association between the use of calcium channel blockers and symptoms of depression [odds ratio (OR): 1.09, 95% confidence interval (CI):1.06–1.13], while use of the angiotensin antagonists, beta blockers and diuretics was not associated with risk of depression. Subgroup analysis suggested a significant relationship between beta blockers usage and risk of depression in cohort studies (OR:1.21, 95% CI: 1.16–1.26). The results of network meta-analysis indicated that all other three classes of drugs increased the risk of depression: angiotensin antagonists (OR: 1.30, 95% CI: 1.04–1.63), beta blockers (OR: 1.53, 95% CI: 1.22–1.91), and calcium channel blockers (OR: 1.40, 95% CI: 1.12–1.75), compared with diuretics.

Conclusion: In conclusion, our results indicate that the use of angiotensin antagonists, beta blockers and calcium channel blockers are potential risk factors of depression.

Statins in Depression: An Evidence-Based Overview of Mechanisms and Clinical Studies

Background: Depression is a leading cause of disability, burdened by high levels of non-response to conventional antidepressants. Novel therapeutic strategies targeting non-monoaminergic pathways are sorely needed. The widely available and safe statins have several putative mechanisms of action, especially anti-inflammatory, which make them ideal candidates for repurposing in the treatment of depression. A large number of articles has been published on this topic. The aim of this study is to assess this literature according to evidence-based medicine principles to inform clinical practise and research. Methods: We performed a systematic review of the electronic databases MEDLINE, CENTRAL, Web of Science, CINAHL, and ClinicalTrials.gov, and an unstructured Google Scholar and manual search, until the 9th of April 2021, for all types of clinical studies assessing the effects of statins in depression. Results: Seventy-two studies were retrieved that investigated the effects of statins on the risk of developing depression or on depressive symptoms in both depressed and non-depressed populations. Fifteen studies specifically addressed the effects of statins on inflammatory-related symptoms of anhedonia, psychomotor retardation, anxiety, and sleep disturbances in depression. Most studies suggested a positive effect of statins on the occurrence and severity of depression, with fewer studies showing no effect, while a minority indicated some negative effects. Limitations: We provide a narrative report on all the included studies but did not perform any quantitative analysis, which limits the strength of our conclusions. Conclusions: Robust evidence indicates that statins are unlikely to lead to depressive symptoms in the general population. Promising data suggest a potential role for statins in the treatment of depression. Further clinical studies are needed, especially in specific subgroups of patients identified by pre-treatment assessments of inflammatory and lipid profiles.

Statin use and depression risk: A systematic review and meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Evidence regarding whether statin use is associated with depression is inconsistent. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis to investigate this association.

METHODS

We searched PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and the EMBASE database, limiting the search to human patients and articles written in English and published by March 31, 2020. The Newcastle-Ottawa scale for observational studies was used to assess study quality. All included studies were evaluated by 2 reviewers independently; any discrepancies were resolved through discussion. Because of the heterogeneity of study populations, a random effects model was used to calculate the pooled effect size. Statistical heterogeneity across studies was assessed using the I² statistic. All analyses were performed using RevMan5 and Comprehensive Meta-Analysis software.

RESULTS

A total of 13 observational (9 cohort, 3 case-control, and 1 cross-sectional) studies conducted in 11 countries and enrolling 5 035 070 participants were included. Substantial statistical heterogeneity was discovered (I², 83%). Overall, use of statins was not associated with depression after trim and fill analysis (adjusted pooled odds ratio [OR], 0.87; 95% CI, 0.74-1.02). The finding was consistent in the subgroup analysis, except for studies published before 2013, showing statin use was associated with a lower risk of depression.

LIMITATIONS

High heterogeneity and asymmetry funnel plot of ORs from these studies were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis revealed statin use was not associated with depression. However, high heterogeneity was observed between identified studies, and results were inconsistent in the subgroups of studies published before 2013.

Biocatalyzed Synthesis of Statins: A Sustainable Strategy for the Preparation of Valuable Drugs

Statins, inhibitors of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase, are the largest selling class of drugs prescribed for the pharmacological treatment of hypercholesterolemia and dyslipidaemia. Statins also possess other therapeutic effects, called pleiotropic, because the blockade of the conversion of HMG-CoA to (R)-mevalonate produces a concomitant inhibition of the biosynthesis of numerous isoprenoid metabolites (e.g., geranylgeranyl pyrophosphate (GGPP) or farnesyl pyrophosphate (FPP)). Thus, the prenylation of several cell signalling proteins (small GTPase family members: Ras, Rac, and Rho) is hampered, so that these molecular switches, controlling multiple pathways and cell functions (maintenance of cell shape, motility, factor secretion, differentiation, and proliferation) are regulated, leading to beneficial effects in cardiovascular health, regulation of the immune system, anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive properties, prevention and treatment of sepsis, treatment of autoimmune diseases, osteoporosis, kidney and neurological disorders, or even in cancer therapy. Thus, there is a growing interest in developing more sustainable protocols for preparation of statins, and the introduction of biocatalyzed steps into the synthetic pathways is highly advantageous—synthetic routes are conducted under mild reaction conditions, at ambient temperature, and can use water as a reaction medium in many cases. Furthermore, their high selectivity avoids the need for functional group activation and protection/deprotection steps usually required in traditional organic synthesis. Therefore, biocatalysis provides shorter processes, produces less waste, and reduces manufacturing costs and environmental impact. In this review, we will comment on the pleiotropic effects of statins and will illustrate some biotransformations nowadays implemented for statin synthesis.

Comparative risk of lipophilic and hydrophilic statins on incident depression: A retrospective cohort study

OBJECTIVES

To evaluate the risk of new-onset depression in a cohort of US adult patients initiating lipophilic statin therapy compared to hydrophilic statin therapy.

DESIGN

Retrospective cohort study.

SETTING

Large US commercial claims database PARTICIPANTS: 1:1 propensity score matched cohort of lipophilic (atorvastatin, lovastatin and simvastatin) and hydrophilic (pravastatin and rosuvastatin) statin initiators between January 2009 to June 2015.

OUTCOME

New onset of depression.

RESULTS

In a propensity-score matched cohort of 299,298 statin initiators, the crude incidence of depression in the hydrophilic and lipophilic group was 136.6 and 142.8 per 10,000 person-years respectively. Compared to hydrophilic statin use, lipophilic statin use was not associated with a statistically significant increase in the risk of depression, adjusted HR 1.05 (95% CI, 1.00-1.10, p = 0.078) and excess incidence of 6.3 (95% CI, -0.7-13.7) per 10,000 person-years. Findings were consistent across the subgroups of patients with history of psychiatric conditions HR 1.05 (95% CI, 0.94-1.16, p = 0.41), and those initiating statins for primary or secondary prevention, HR 1.03 (95% CI, 0.97-1.10, p = 0.33) and 1.07 (95% CI, 0.99-1.16, p = 0.10) respectively. Within individual lipophilic statins, only simvastatin was associated with a moderate increase in the risk of depression HR 1.09 (95% CI, 1.02-1.16, p = 0.003), followed by lovastatin HR 1.07 (95% CI, 0.93-1.24, p = 0.34) and atorvastatin HR 1.05 (95% CI, 0.97-1.13, p = 0.27).

LIMITATIONS

Findings are generalizable to patients with commercial insurance.

CONCLUSIONS

Lipophilic statin use was not associated with a significant increase in the risk of incident depression.

Anti-inflammatory treatment and risk of depression in 91,842 patients with acute coronary syndrome and 91,860 individuals without acute coronary syndrome in Denmark

BACKGROUND

We examined if treatment with acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID), or statins after acute coronary syndrome (ACS) are associated with decreased risk of depression.

METHOD

This register-based cohort study included all individuals with a first-time hospital admissions with an ACS diagnosis registered between January 2001 to December 2009 (N=91,842) and a comparable reference population without ACS (N=91,860). Information of ASA, NSAID, and statin use were retrieved from a national prescription register. The study population was followed for hospitalization with depression or receiving prescription of antidepressant medication for up to one year after ACS or study entry (early depression) or one to twelve years after ACS or study entry (late depression).

RESULTS

ASA use after ACS was associated with decreased risk of early depression with hazard ratios (HR) of 0.89 (95% confidence interval 0.85-0.93) but not with late depression 0.96 (0.90-1.01). The corresponding HRs for statin were 0.90 (0.86-0.94) and 0.86 (0.82-0.90). In the non-ACS population, statin use was not associated with neither early nor late depression (HRs 1.04 (0.96-1.12) and 1.00 (0.95-1.06)), while ASA was associated with increased risk of late (HR 1.09 (1.04-1.14)) but not early depression (HR 1.03 (0.97-1.09)). In both populations, NSAID use was associated with increased risk of late but not early depression.

CONCLUSION

Use of ASA or statins were associated with decreased risk of depression in ACS patients but not in individuals without ACS, while use of NSAID was associated with increased risk of late depression in both populations.

Anti-inflammatory treatment and risk for depression after first-time stroke in a cohort of 147 487 Danish patients

BACKGROUND

Depression is a common complication after stroke, and inflammation may be a pathophysiological mechanism. This study examines whether anti-inflammatory treatment with acetylsalicylic acid (ASA), nonsteroid anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or statins influence the risk of depression after stroke.

METHODS

A register-based cohort including all patients admitted to hospital with a first-time stroke from Jan. 1, 2001, through Dec. 31, 2011, and a nonstroke population with a similar age and sex distribution was followed for depression until Dec. 31, 2014. Depression was defined as having a hospital contact with depression or having filled prescriptions for antidepressant medication. The associations between redeemed prescriptions of ASA, NSAIDs or statins with early- (≤ 1 year after stroke or study entry) and late-onset (> 1 year after stroke or study entry) depression were analyzed using Cox proportional hazard regression.

RESULTS

We identified 147 487 patients with first-time stroke and 160 235 individuals without stroke for inclusion in our study. Redeemed prescriptions of ASA, NSAIDs or statins after stroke decreased the risk for early-onset depression, especially in patients with ischemic or severe stroke. Patients who received a combination of anti-inflammatory treatments had the lowest risk for early-onset depression. On the other hand, use of ASA or NSAIDs 1 year after stroke increased the risk for late-onset depression, whereas statin use was associated with a tendency toward a decreased risk.

LIMITATIONS

The study used prescription of antidepressant medication as a proxy measure for depression and did not include anti-inflammatory drugs bought over the counter.

CONCLUSION

Anti-inflammatory treatment is associated with a lower risk for depression shortly after stroke but a higher risk for late depression. This suggests that inflammation contributes differently to the development of depression after stroke depending on the time of onset.

Statins for the treatment of depression: A meta-analysis of randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials

BACKGROUND

In epidemiological studies, statins appear to benefit mood, and there are now some randomized controlled trials examining the efficacy of statins. However, the role of statins in depression remains uncertain. Thus the aim of this paper was to assess the effect of statins on depressive symptoms by performing a meta-analysis of all double-blind, randomized, placebo controlled clinical trials (RCT) conducted in subjects with depression.

METHODS

A systematic search was executed using PubMed and ClinicalTrials.gov in November 30th, 2015 for all double-blind, RCT of statins versus placebo in persons with depressive symptoms. Sixty-seven potential articles were identified through search of electronic databases, of those three met inclusion criteria and were included in the meta-analysis. The outcome measure was change in Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) scores associated with statin use. A meta-analysis was conducted and standardized mean differences (SMDs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated. GRADE was used to assess study quality.

RESULTS

The three articles included provided data on 165 participants with moderate to severe depression. Of these, 82 were randomized to statins as an adjuvant therapy to antidepressant treatment (i.e., citalopram or fluoxetine) and 83 to the placebo arm. All studies were double-blind RCTs, with a follow-up of 6-12 weeks. The statin agents evaluated were lovastatin, atorvastatin, and simvastatin. When compared to placebo, statins, as add-on to treatment as usual, largely improved depressive symptoms as assessed by the HDRS (SMD=-0.73, 95% IC -1.04 to -0.42, p<0.001, 3 between-group comparisons, n=165). No serious adverse effects were reported.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that adjunctive treatment with statins could be useful for the treatment of depressive symptoms. Additional double-blind, randomised, placebo-controlled trials are necessary to settle the matter.

Simvastatin as an adjuvant therapy to fluoxetine in patients with moderate to severe major depression: A double-blind placebo-controlled trial

Statins have been shown to decrease depressive symptoms in certain groups of patients, an effect that is mostly attributed to their anti-inflammatory and neurotransmitter modulatory potentials. We aimed to investigate the antidepressant effects of simvastatin as an adjuvant therapy in patients with moderate to severe depression. In this double-blind placebo-controlled clinical trial, 48 patients were randomly allocated to receive simvastatin or placebo as an adjunct to fluoxetine for six weeks. Patients were evaluated with the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) at baseline and weeks 2, 4 and 6. Probable clinical and laboratory adverse events were also monitored and compared between the two groups. Simvastatin-treated patients experienced significantly more reductions in HDRS scores compared to the placebo group by the end of the trial (p=0.02). Early improvement and response rates were significantly greater in the simvastatin group than the placebo group (p=0.02 and p=0.01, respectively) but remission rate was not significantly different between the two groups (p=0.36). No serious adverse event was reported during this trial. In conclusion, simvastatin seems to be a safe and effective adjuvant therapy for patients suffering from major depressive disorder. However, more confirmatory studies are warranted.

Behavioural and psychiatric symptoms in cognitive neurology

Behavioural and psychiatric symptoms (BPS) are frequent in neurological patients, contribute to disability, and decrease quality of life. We recorded BPS prevalence and type, as well as any associations with specific diagnoses, brain regions, and treatments, in consecutive outpatients examined in a cognitive neurology clinic.

METHOD

A retrospective analysis of 843 consecutive patients was performed, including a review of BPS, diagnosis, sensory impairment, lesion topography (neuroimaging), and treatment. The total sample was considered, and the cognitive impairment (CI) group (n=607) was compared to the non-CI group.

RESULTS

BPS was present in 59.9% of the patients (61.3% in the CI group, 56.4% in the non-CI group). One BPS was present in 31.1%, two in 17.4%, and three or more in 11.4%. BPS, especially depression and anxiety, are more frequent in women than in men. Psychotic and behavioural symptoms predominate in subjects aged 65 and older, and anxiety in those younger than 65. Psychotic symptoms appear more often in patients with sensory impairment. Psychotic and behavioural symptoms are more prevalent in patients with degenerative dementia; depression and anxiety in those who suffer a psychiatric disease or adverse effects of substances; emotional lability in individuals with a metabolic or hormonal disorder; hypochondria in those with a pain syndrome; and irritability in subjects with chronic hypoxia. Behavioural symptoms are more frequent in patients with anomalies in the frontal or right temporal or parietal lobes, and antipsychotics constitute the first line of treatment. Leaving standard treatments aside, associations were observed between dysthymia and opioid analgesics, betahistine and statins, and between psychotic symptoms and levodopa, piracetam, and vasodilators.

Association of Socioeconomic Status (SES) and Social Support with Depressive Symptoms among the Elderly in Singapore

Introduction: Depression in the elderly is a major public health issue. Socioeconomic status (SES) and social support are strong risk factors for depression. This study aimed to investigate the influence of SES and social support in elderly depression, and the modifying effect of social support on the relationship between SES and depression. Materials and Methods: A community-based survey was conducted on residents ≥60 years old. Depressive symptoms were determined with scores ≥5 using the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Multivariable logistic regression was performed to determine the odds ratio (OR) of depressive symptoms with respect to SES and social support, and interaction terms between the two variables. Results: Of 2447 responses analysed, 188 (7.8%) respondents had depressive symptoms. Living in 2-room housing, living alone/with a domestic helper, infrequent leisure time with children/grandchildren or being childless, and feeling socially isolated were independently associated with depressive symptoms. Relative to residents living with spouse and children in 4-/5-room housing, the highest ORs for depressive symptoms were those living with spouse and children in 2-room (OR: 3.06, P <0.05), followed by living with children only in 3-room (OR: 2.98, P <0.05), and living alone/ with a domestic helper in 4-/5-room (OR: 2.73, P <0.05). Living with spouse only appears to buffer against depressive symptoms across socioeconomic classes, although the effect was not statistically significant. Conclusion: Low social support and low SES significantly increased the odds of depressive symptoms. The moderating effect of social support on depression was however not consistent across SES groups. Specific interventions need to target different SES groups to better help older adults at risk of developing depression. Key words: Asia, Depression, Older adults, Social factors

Statin use and risk of depression: a Swedish national cohort study

BACKGROUND

Statin medications, used to prevent heart disease by reducing cholesterol, also reduce inflammation and protect against oxidative damage. As inflammation and oxidative stress occur in depression, there is interest in their potential to reduce depression risk. We investigated whether use of statin medications was associated with a change in the risk of developing depression in a very large Swedish national cohort (n = 4,607,990).

METHODS

National register data for adults ≥40yr was analyzed to obtain information about depression diagnoses and prescriptions of statin medications between 2006 and 2008. Associations were tested using logistic regression.

RESULTS

Use of any statin was shown to reduce the odds of depression by 8% compared to individuals not using statin medications (OR = 0.92, 95% CI, 0.89-0.96; p < 0.001). Simvastatin had a protective effect (OR = 0.93, 95% CI, 0.89-0.97; p = 0.001), whereas atorvastatin was associated with increased risk of depression (OR = 1.11, 95% CI, 1.01-1.22; p = 0.032). There was a stepwise decrease in odds ratio with increasing age (OR ≥ 40 years = 0.95, OR ≥ 50 years = 0.91, OR ≥ 60 years = 0.85, OR ≥ 70 years = 0.81).

CONCLUSIONS

The use of any statin was associated with a reduction in risk of depression in individuals over the age of 40. Clarification of the strength of these protective effects, the clinical relevance of these effects and determination of which statins are most effective is needed.

Molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of statins in the central nervous system

3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase inhibitors, commonly referred to as statins, are widely used in the treatment of dyslipidaemia, in addition to providing primary and secondary prevention against cardiovascular disease and stroke. Statins’ effects on the central nervous system (CNS), particularly on cognition and neurological disorders such as stroke and multiple sclerosis, have received increasing attention in recent years, both within the scientific community and in the media. Current understanding of statins’ effects is limited by a lack of mechanism-based studies, as well as the assumption that all statins have the same pharmacological effect in the central nervous system. This review aims to provide an updated discussion on the molecular mechanisms contributing to statins’ possible effects on cognitive function, neurodegenerative disease, and various neurological disorders such as stroke, epilepsy, depression and CNS cancers. Additionally, the pharmacokinetic differences between statins and how these may result in statin-specific neurological effects are also discussed.

In a randomized, double-blind clinical trial, adjuvant atorvastatin improved symptoms of depression and blood lipid values in patients suffering from severe major depressive disorder

BACKGROUND

The administration of statins seems to be a promising new avenue in the treatment of patients suffering from major depressive disorder (MDD), though patients suffering from severe MDD remain unstudied in this respect. The aim of the present study was therefore to investigate, in a randomized double-blind clinical trial, the influence of adjuvant atorvastatin on symptoms of depression in patients with MDD.

METHODS

A total of 60 patients suffering from MDD (mean age: 32.25 years; 53% males) received a standard medication of 40 mg/d citalopram. Next, patients were randomly assigned either to the atorvastatin group (20 mg/d) or to the placebo group. Blood lipid values were assessed at baseline and on completion of the study 12 weeks later. Experts rated depressive symptoms via Hamilton Depression Rating Scales (HDRS) at baseline and 3, 6 and 12 weeks later.

RESULTS

HDRS scores decreased over time; the significant Time by Group interaction showed that symptoms of depression decreased more in the atorvastatin than in the placebo group. Compared to the placebo group, in the atorvastatin group cholesterol, triglyceride, and Low Density Lipids (LDL) significantly decreased, and High Density Lipids (HDL) significantly increased over time. HDRS scores and blood lipid values were generally not associated.

CONCLUSIONS

The pattern of results suggests that adjuvant atorvastatin favorably influences symptoms of depression among patients with severe MDD. Given that after 12 weeks of monotherapy and adjuvant atorvastatin patients were still moderately to severely depressed, more powerful treatment algorithms such as augmentation and change of medication are highly recommended.

Prevalence and risk factors of depression in the elderly nursing home residents in Singapore

OBJECTIVES

Depression is a common health problem in elderly nursing home (NH) residents and is often under-recognized and under-treated. This study aimed to determine the prevalence rates of depression and identify the risk factors associated with depression in the elderly NH population in Singapore.

METHODS

A sample of 375 residents in six NHs in Singapore, aged 55 years and above, was assessed with the Structural Clinical Interview (SCID), based on the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, fourth edition (DSM-IV) criteria. The association of demographic, functional and health-related characteristics with depression was examined using multivariate logistic regression analyses.

RESULTS

Overall point prevalence for depression in the elderly NH residents was found to be 21.1% (95% confidence intervals (CI): 17.1%-25.6%). The prevalence rate for minor depression in the elderly NH residents was 14.4% (95% CI: 11.1%-18.5%) and 6.7% (95% CI: 4.5%-9.8%) for major depression. Significant risk factors that were found to be associated with depression were length of stay for more than 2 years, known history of depression, pain, and no or lack of social contact.

CONCLUSION

The prevalence rates for depression were high among NH residents in Singapore. More attention is needed to care for the psychosocial needs of elderly NH residents in Singapore.

A prospective study of statin use and poststroke depression

Associations between serum cholesterol levels or lipid-lowering treatment and depression risk have been controversial. Associations between statin use and depression risk have been investigated in patients with coronary artery diseases but have not been examined after stroke. This study aimed to investigate whether statin use was associated with depression ascertained at 2 weeks and 1 year after stroke. A total of 423 patients were evaluated 2 weeks after stroke, and 288 (68%) were followed 1 year later. At the 2 examinations, depression (major or minor depressive disorder) was diagnosed according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition criteria, and depression severity was assessed by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale-Depression subscale and the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale. Logistic regression and repeated-measures analyses of variance were carried out. Statins were used in 251 (59%) of 423 patients at baseline. Statin use was not associated with poststroke depression (PSD) status at baseline but was significantly associated with reduced risk of all PSD, and of major PSD specifically, at follow-up. Statin use was also associated with better trajectories of depression assessment scale scores over the 1-year follow-up. Statin use was associated with a reduced risk of depression at 1 year after stroke. Likely causality and underlying mechanisms need to be further clarified.

Mind and body: how the health of the body impacts on neuropsychiatry

It has long been established in traditional forms of medicine and in anecdotal knowledge that the health of the body and the mind are inextricably linked. Strong and continually developing evidence now suggests a link between disorders which involve Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal axis (HPA) dysregulation and the risk of developing psychiatric disease. For instance, adverse or excessive responses to stressful experiences are built into the diagnostic criteria for several psychiatric disorders, including depression and anxiety disorders. Interestingly, peripheral disorders such as metabolic disorders and cardiovascular diseases are also associated with HPA changes. Furthermore, many other systemic disorders associated with a higher incidence of psychiatric disease involve a significant inflammatory component. In fact, inflammatory and endocrine pathways seem to interact in both the periphery and the central nervous system (CNS) to potentiate states of psychiatric dysfunction. This review synthesizes clinical and animal data looking at interactions between peripheral and central factors, developing an understanding at the molecular and cellular level of how processes in the entire body can impact on mental state and psychiatric health.

Primary prevention of cardiovascular events in patients with major mental illness: a possible role for statins

OBJECTIVES

To examine the need for and the possible benefits and risks of statin therapy in patients with major mental illness.

METHODS

Patients with psychiatric conditions, especially those with major mental illnesses such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, are at increased risk of overweight, obesity, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, and the metabolic syndrome, all of which increase the risk of cardiovascular disease, cerebrovascular disease, and mortality. The literature on the subject was qualitatively reviewed.

RESULTS

Primary prevention benefits with statins are well known in the general population of high-risk patients; recent evidence suggests that statins also carry primary prevention benefits in low-risk subjects. Regrettably, the primary prevention of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events in psychiatry is a neglected area in clinical practice as well as in interventional research, whether in high- or in low-risk patients. Initial concerns notwithstanding, psychiatric complications do not appear to be important among the adverse effects of statins. Although statins are associated with an increased risk of incident diabetes mellitus, myopathy, and other untoward consequences, the risk-benefit ratio appears to favor statin use. The advisability of using statins in low-risk or medically healthy subjects remains debatable.

CONCLUSIONS

Overweight, obesity, dyslipidemia, diabetes mellitus, and the metabolic syndrome are common in patients with major mental illness, and these increase the risk of medical morbidity and mortality. Statin use should therefore be considered for the primary prevention of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events in psychiatric patients, especially in those at high risk.

Augmentation of fluoxetine with lovastatin for treating major depressive disorder, a randomized double-blind placebo controlled-clinical trial

BACKGROUNDS

There are contradictory evidence about the effect of statins on depression. This 6-week-randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial assessed the efficacy and safety of lovastatin as an adjuvant agent for treating major depressive disorder (MDD).

METHODS

The participants were 68 patients with MDD according to DSM-IV diagnostic criteria. The sample was randomly allocated into fluoxetine (up to 40 mg/day) plus lovastatin (30 mg/day) group or fluoxetine plus placebo group. Hamilton Depression Rating scale was used to measure depression score at baseline, week 2, and week 6.

RESULTS

Both groups showed a significant decrease of depression score on the Hamilton Depression scale. However, the treatment group decreased depression score more than placebo group [12.8(6.3) vs. 8.2(4.0), t = 3.4, df = 60, P < .001]. Any serious adverse effect was not found.

DISCUSSION

These results suggest that lovastatin as an adjuvant treatment may be effective for treating patients with MDD.

Initiation of statin therapy after acute myocardial infarction is not associated with worsening depressive symptoms: insights from the Prospective Registry Evaluating Outcomes After Myocardial Infarctions: Events and Recovery (PREMIER) and Translational Research Investigating Underlying Disparities in Acute Myocardial Infarction Patients' Health Status (TRIUMPH) registries

BACKGROUND

Whereas statins are considered the cornerstone of prevention after acute myocardial infarction (AMI), concerns about worsening depression in association with their use have been raised.

METHODS

Using data from 2 prospective AMI registries (PREMIER and TRIUMPH), we examined the change in depressive symptoms from baseline and at 1, 6 and 12 months among statin-naïve patients who were and were not discharged on a statin. Depressive symptoms were assessed with the 8-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-8). Within-group change in PHQ-8 scores from baseline to each follow-up period was assessed using paired t tests. A repeated-measures propensity-matched analysis examined whether changes in PHQ-8 scores from baseline were different between statin-treated and statin-untreated patients.

RESULTS

Of 3,675 patients not previously treated with statins, 3,050 (83%) were discharged on a statin and 625 (17%) were not. Scores of PHQ-8 in the statin group decreased from baseline by a mean (± SD) of 0.9 (± 5.1), 1.2 (± 5), and 1.1 (± 5.1) at 1, 6, and 12 months, respectively. Corresponding changes in the nonstatin group were 0.9 (± 5.2), 1.3 (± 5.1), and 1.5 (± 5.8), respectively (P < .0001 for all comparisons). After propensity matching, 451 patients not discharged on statins with 1,240 patients discharged on statins, the mean change in PHQ-8 scores between baseline and the 3 follow-up time points was not significantly different between groups (mean between-group difference at 1 month: -0.13, 95% CI [-0.69 to 0.43], P = .65; at 6 months: -0.07, 95% CI [-0.66 to 0.52], P = .82; and at 12 months: -0.05, 95% CI [-0.67 to 0.58], P = .88).

CONCLUSIONS

Initiation of statins after AMI was not associated with worsening depression.

Psychologic disorders and statin use: a propensity score-matched analysis

STUDY OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the association between statin therapy and the risk of psychologic disorders including schizophrenia, psychosis, major depression, and bipolar disorder in a military population.

DESIGN

Retrospective, observational, population-based, propensity score-matched, cohort study.

SETTING

Database of a patient population enrolled in the San Antonio Military Multi-Market Area as Tricare Prime or Plus.

PATIENTS

Medical records were reviewed from 46,249 patients aged 30-85 years who were continuously enrolled in the San Antonio Military Multi-Market Area as Tricare Prime or Plus from October 1, 2003-March 1, 2010. Data were obtained from the Military Health System Management Analysis and Reporting Tool (M2). Based on drug fills during fiscal year 2005, patients were stratified as statin users (13,626 patients received at least 90-days supply of statin) or nonusers (32,623 patients never received a statin during the study period). A propensity score-matched cohort of 6972 statin users and 6972 nonusers from this population was created.

MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS

The occurrence of psychologic disorders between October 1, 2005, and March 1, 2010, was determined using prespecified groups of ICD-9-CM, Psych1: schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorders, and other psychosis; Psych2: major depression and bipolar disorder; Psych3: all psychologic disorders as identified by the Agency for Health Research and Quality-Clinical Classifications (except for categories of childhood or developmental psychiatric disorders). Between matched pairs of statin users and nonusers, the odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were as follows: Psych1 (0.9, 0.75-1.05), Psych2 (1.02, 0.94-1.11), and Psych3 (1.02, 0.96-1.1), respectively.

CONCLUSION

The risk of developing psychologic disorders was similar in this cohort of propensity score-matched statin users and nonusers.

Living arrangements, social networks and depressive symptoms among older men and women in Singapore

OBJECTIVES

To examine the association of living arrangements and social networks outside the household with depressive symptoms among older men and women, ascertain if these relationships differ between older men and women, and investigate whether the association of living arrangements with depressive symptoms varies by strength of social networks.

METHODS

Data for 4489 community-dwelling Singaporeans, aged 60 years and older, from a recent nationally representative survey were analyzed. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the 11-item CES-D (Center for Epidemiologic Studies) scale, social networks through Lubben's revised social network scale, and living arrangements through household composition. Analysis was stratified by gender, and descriptive and multivariate statistics were used to assess the risk of depressive symptoms by living arrangements and social networks, adjusting for age, ethnic group, education, housing type, functional status, number of chronic diseases and involvement in social activities.

RESULTS

Women had higher depressive symptom scores than men. Living alone and living with at least 1 child (no spouse) (relative to living with spouse and children), and weak social networks outside the household were associated with higher depressive symptom scores among both men and women. Men living alone with weak social networks outside the household had higher depressive symptom scores than those with strong networks.

CONCLUSION

The findings have implications regarding the importance of strengthening non-familial social networks of older adults, particularly for those living alone.

Statin use and depressive symptoms in a prospective study of community-living older persons

PURPOSE

The association between statin use and depression is complex, and research findings have been mixed. The present study aimed to investigate the association of statin use with depressive symptoms among community-living older persons, and its effect modifications by gender and medical co-morbidity.

METHOD

Prospective observational study of 1803 participants aged 55 and above in the Singapore Longitudinal Ageing Studies cohort, with data of statin use and other risk factors for depression at baseline, and Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) symptom scores at follow-up (1.5 years).

RESULTS

Controlling for baseline demographics, cholesterol level and medical co-morbidities, statin use was not associated with depressive symptom scores in the whole sample overall (regression coefficient = -0.12 (SE 0.10), F([1,1782]) = 1.44, p = 0.23). Post hoc analyses suggested that statin use may be associated with fewer depressive symptoms in women (p = 0.02), and more depressive symptoms in men, particularly those with more medical co-morbidities (p = 0.04) and multiple drug use (p = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

This study provided no strong evidence that support an overall association of statin use and depressive symptoms. The post hoc findings in this study are suggestive but may also be spurious and should be replicated in other studies.