A recent study investigated the connection between depression and the rate of physical illness development. Researchers found that individuals with a history of depression experienced a significantly faster accrual of long-term physical health conditions compared to those without. This study, involving over 172,000 participants, indicated that depression should be considered a "whole body" condition impacting physical health. Common conditions that arose more frequently in depressed individuals included osteoarthritis, hypertension, and acid reflux. The study emphasizes the necessity of integrated healthcare approaches that address both mental and physical well-being. These findings suggest a need to shift from treating individual conditions to considering the interconnectedness of mental and physical health.

https://neurosciencenews.com/depression-physical-health-psychology-28426/

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