Key result
This review did not reveal a clear relationship between lipid fractions or statin use and the risk of developing depression, as results across observational studies were highly divergent.
Why the study?
Do altered cholesterol levels or statin use affect the risk of developing depression or suicide?
Do altered cholesterol levels or statin use affect the risk of developing depression or suicide?
Current observational evidence does not demonstrate a clear or consistent relationship between lipid fractions or statin use and the risk of developing depression.
No adjustment to statin use or lipid monitoring for depression risk; leaves open need for prospective trials to resolve inconsistencies.
Depressive disorders and hypercholesterolemia are serious and common global problems. Many researchers have attempted to demonstrate association between concentration of the lipid fractions, depression as well as the rate of suicide, but the results are inconclusive. To overcome this lack of knowledge, we have summarized the studies concerning this relationship and published in recent years. All of articles included were published in peer reviewed journals and were identified through systematic query of PubMed with follow-up manual searches. Concentrations of total cholesterol – TC, cholesterol – LDL-C, cholesterol - HDL-C other triglycerides and others atherogenic index and comorbidity with depressive disorders have been considered. While both positive and negative association between lipid fractions and depression have been shown in many studies, some data revealed no relationships between the two factors. In addition, we have also summarized the usage of statins and the occurrence of depressive disorders, and the results remain inconclusive. In conclusion, our review did not reveal a clear relationship between lipid fractions and depression. Additional studies are needed as increased incidence of comorbidity between mood disorders and lipid disorders have been observed.
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Broncel et al. (2016) conducted a review in Depression. Cholesterol levels and statin use vs. Normal/higher cholesterol levels or non-use of statins was evaluated on Risk of developing depression. This review did not reveal a clear relationship between lipid fractions or statin use and the risk of developing depression, as results across observational studies were highly divergent.
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