Anxiety-depressive disorders in obese patients

Abstract

The likelihood of developing major depressive disorder (MDD) and anxiety (T) increases with the number of comorbid metabolic disorders, such as dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, hypertension (AH), and obesity. Research indicates that long-term inflammation caused by reduced physical activity, sedentary behavior, and poor eating habits is necessary for this connection to occur, which in turn can lead to metabolic disorders. The aim of our study was to identify possible anxiety-depressive disorders in obese patients and to investigate the prevalence of such disorders in patients of the Odesa region. According to the research design, 67 obese patients who were treated at the Department of Family Medicine and Polyclinic Therapy of Odesa National Medical University were examined. Patients included in our study were asked to undergo an examination according to a generally accepted algorithm, an anthropometric examination to calculate BMI and determine the content of visceral fat. In addition, patients were asked to complete a series of questionnaires, namely: the physical activity level questionnaire, the HADS Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, the Beck Depression Scale, the Generalized Anxiety Disorder Questionnaire (GAD-7), the PHQ-9 questionnaire, and the M.I.N.I. (International Neuropsychiatric Questionnaire). As a result of taking anamnesis, it was established that the vast majority had comorbid diseases in the form of: hypertension - 36 patients (56.72%), type 2 diabetes - 29 patients (43.28%), prediabetes - 15 (22.39%), dyslipidemia was diagnosed in 39 patients (58.21%). Questionnaire M.I.N.I. was used by us to determine the subtype of depressive disorder in our patients. Thus, we found that the most common subtypes were: ADHD (26.87%), depressive disorder with melancholia (16.42%) and dysthymia (17.91%). In our opinion, it is appropriate to use psychological questionnaires in the practice of doctors of various specialties who interact with patients living with obesity. When patients with TDD are identified using diagnostic screening, namely questionnaires, they should be referred for further consultation with a psychotherapist.