Metabolic syndrome in subjects with bipolar disorder and major depressive disorder in a current depressive episode: Population-based study: Metabolic syndrome in current depressive episode

Abstract

Objective: To assess the differences in the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome (MetS) and their components in young adults with bipolar disorder (BD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) in a current depressive episode.

Methods: This was a cross-sectional study with young adults aged 24-30 years old. Depressive episode (bipolar or unipolar) was assessed using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview - Plus version (MINI Plus). The MetS was assessed using the National Cholesterol Education Program Adult Treatment Panel III (NCEP/ATP III).

Results: The sample included 972 subjects with a mean age of 25.81 (±2.17) years. Both BD and MDD patients showed higher prevalence of MetS compared to the population sample (BD = 46.9%, MDD = 35.1%, population = 22.1%, p < 0.001). Higher levels of glucose, total cholesterol and LDL cholesterol, Body Mass Index, low levels of HDL cholesterol, and a higher prevalence of abdominal obesity were observed in both BD and MDD individuals with current depressive episode compared to the general population. Moreover, there was a significant difference on BMI values in the case of BD and MDD subjects (p = 0.016).

Conclusion: Metabolic components were significantly associated with the presence of depressive symptoms, independently of the diagnosis.

Keywords: Bipolar disorder; Major depressive disorder; Metabolic syndrome; Mood disorders.