Depressive Symptoms Now Linked With Kidney Function Decline

(Newswire.net — July 21, 2022) Orlando, FL — A number of studies have revealed that mental health issues like depression could impact different aspects of health. These include detrimental effects on the kidneys, which are some of the most important organs in the body.

A study, which involved adults with normal kidney function, has shown a link between depressive symptoms and rapid kidney function decline. 

The findings of this research were published in the CJASN.

It has been particularly found that those who had frequent depressive symptoms were at an increased likelihood of experiencing a rapid decline in kidney function. 

It is important to note that depression is quite common in middle-aged and older adults. It has further been identified to be a contributor to various mental and physical issues. 

Previous research has even highlighted an association between depressive symptoms and a rapid decline in kidney function involving individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD). 

This research was spearheaded by Xianhui Qin, MD (Nanfang Hospital, Southern Medical University, in China).

It involved examining information on 4,763 individuals with healthy kidneys when they enrolled in the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS).

At the start of the study, 39 percent of the subjects had high depressive symptoms. During a median follow-up of 4 years, 6 percent or 260 participants experienced a rapid decline in kidney function.

The investigators found subjects with frequent depressive symptoms were 1.4 times more likely to have rapid kidney function decline compared to those with infrequent depressive symptoms, after adjustments.

“While our study does not show causality, it demonstrated that high depressive symptoms were significantly associated with a rapid decline in kidney function among Chinese adults with normal kidney function. If further confirmed, our data provide some evidence for depressive symptom screening and effective psychosocial interventions to improve the prevention of CKD,” said Dr. Qin.

The scientific community continues to carry out studies investigating the various aspects of depression, particularly some remedies potentially helpful in warding it off. Time and again researchers say it is vital to make dietary and lifestyle improvements to stay mentally well.

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