Major depression is associated with hypercorticoidism, a risk factor for
osteoporosis. However, it is unknown whether depressive disorders are
associated with alterations in bone mineral density. The authors measured
the density of trabecular bone from the first to the third lumbar vertebra
by quantitative computerized tomography in 80 depressed inpatients older
than 40 years and in 57 healthy comparison subjects. An analysis of
covariance model with age as a covariate showed a significant effect of
diagnosis on the dependent variable spinal bone mineral density: depressed
patients had lower values. Other factors could not explain the finding. The
authors conclude that major depression is a significant risk factor for
osteoporosis.Abstract Teaser