Question 106 of 433
Is depression a longevity issue?
The short answer
Yes. Depression raises the risk of heart disease and dementia, and after a heart attack it roughly doubles the chance of dying. It is treatable.
Depression is not weakness and it is not “just stress.” It changes inflammation, heart rhythm, sleep, and whether people take their medicines or move their bodies. If you have lost interest in what you used to love for more than two weeks, tell your doctor. If you ever have thoughts of harming yourself, call or text 988 in the United States, any hour.
“This book is for education. It is not medical advice, and reading it does not make you my patient or create a doctor-patient relationship.” From the book’s medical disclaimer. Full disclaimer
ROBUST ASSOCIATION / TREATMENT TRIALS — Depression: health risks and symptom treatment; treatment-related lifespan extension is separate.Evidence grade (draft mapping)CObservationalPart 7, Q106 · Part sources
From Longevity Unmasked by Afshine Ash Emrani, MD, FACC. Medical disclaimer. This book is for education. It is not medical advice, and reading it does not make you my patient or create a doctor-patient relationship. Nothing here is meant to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Medicine is personal: a test, drug, supplement, or exercise plan that helps one person can harm another. Do not start, stop, or change any medication or treatment because of something you read in these pages. Talk with a licensed clinician who knows your history first. If you think you are having a medical emergency, call 911. The author disclaims responsibility for any loss or harm arising from use of the information in this book.