Metabolic syndrome and depression are two separate disorders that burden the lives of those who develop them. If you have experienced either one, you know the crushing boundaries that may be set on a daily basis and the problems they can lead to. If you are battling both of these illnesses, you are not alone. It is common to see these illnesses together.
Metabolic Syndrome
Metabolic syndrome is characterized by central obesity and must be accompanied by other risk factors. According to the American Heart Association, you must have at least three of five risk factors to be diagnosed with metabolic syndrome. These risk factors include an elevated waist circumference, increased triglycerides, reduced HDL cholesterol, high blood pressure or a high blood glucose level. If you have a combination of these symptoms, speak with a physician and ask if you have metabolic syndrome. The treatment and management of this disorder begins with exercise and healthy eating.
Depression
Depression affects everything about your life. The Mayo Clinic states that depression is a chronic illness and can cause emotional and physical issues. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, the type of depression you get may vary from person to person, but the symptoms include sadness, empty feelings, difficulty concentrating, insomnia or thoughts of suicide. If you are feeling depressed or have thoughts of suicide, talk to a doctor or psychiatrist immediately.
Linkage
Questions have been asked if one of these disorders could lead to the other, or if there is any linkage of the two. In a study published September 2006 in the "Journal of Clinical Psychiatry," the authors note a high prevalence of metabolic syndrome in patients who experienced depression. This kind of study may be suggestive of a link between the two disorders, but more studies are needed to confirm this statement.
Significance
The National Institute of Mental Health claims that treating depression can have a positive effect on any co-occurring illnesses. If metabolic disorder is linked to depression, then the treatment of depression may help the metabolic disorder. It is understandable if you are depressed because you have a metabolic disorder increasing your weight and making you feel bad about yourself. However, if the increasing weight and other metabolic syndrome symptoms are caused by depression, the significance of depression treatment is enhanced.
Considerations
Neither of these two illnesses should be taken lightly. If you think that you have either one, you should speak with a doctor about your treatment or management opportunities. Often, depression and metabolic syndrome are caused by other health problems. Knowing to ask for help is an important first step at recovery for medical problems such as these.
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