Teens With Depression at Higher Risk of Heart Disease

According to the American Heart association, major depression and bipolar disorder have the potential to put teenagers at greater risk for heart disease, so much so that they should be considered as independent risk factors for the condition.

Previous research has indicated positive correlations between mood disorders in adults with greater risk for heart problems. Moreover, various studies have depicted adults with major depression and bipolar disorder to be more likely to suffer heart disease at a younger age.

Lead author of the scientific statement Dr. Benjamin I. Goldstein, a child-adolescent psychiatrist at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre and the University of Toronto in Canada, and colleagues assessed previously published research investigating the risk of heart disease among adolescents with mood disorders.

The team discovered that teenagers with major depression or bipolar disorder were more susceptible to an array of risk factors for heart disease. These included hypertension, high cholesterol, obesity, type 2 diabetes and atherosclerosis.

Even though medication for mood disorders is associated with weight gain, hypertension, high cholesterol and increased blood sugar levels, the majority of the teenagers included in the studies were not consuming such medication.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, in 2012, around 2.2 million American teenagers aged 12 to 17 had a major depressive episode (MDE) in the past year, while a 2012 study estimated that around 2.5 percent of adolescents aged 13 to 18 in the U.S. have met the criteria for bipolar disorder in their lifetime.

Based on statistics gathered by SAMHSA, about 120,000 adolescents aged 12 to 17, which roughly translates into 9 percent of the population, experienced at least one MDE per annum in Florida, between 2009 and 2013. The percentage remained largely stable over this period. In fact, Florida's percentage of MDE among adolescents was similar to the national percentage in 2012 to 2013.

Based on their findings, Dr. Goldstein and colleagues concluded that major depression and bipolar disorder should be classified as moderate risk factors for heart disease in teenagers. He stated:

"Mood disorders are often lifelong conditions, and managing cardiovascular risk early and assertively is tremendously important if we are to be successful in ensuring that the next generation of youth has better cardiovascular outcomes.These disorders indicate an increased risk of heart disease that requires increased vigilance and action at the earliest possible stage."

Dr. Goldstein further stated, "Youth with mood disorders are not yet widely recognized as a group at increased risk for excessive and early heart disease. We hope these guidelines will spur action from patients, families and health care providers to reduce the risk of cardiovascular disease among these youth."

Depression programs in Florida attempt to provide you with your best shot at recovery. The Florida Depression Helpline attempts to connect you with the leading treatment centers for depression that offer customized treatment plans that specifically suit your individualized needs. Our representatives are committed to your well-being and strive to ensure a sustained recovery.