Depression and somatic diseases – how are they linked?

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.12775/QS.2025.39.58457

Keywords

depression, somatic diseases, inflammation, HPA axis, lifestyle

Abstract

Introduction and aim of study: Depressive disorder is one of the most common diseases involving mental health. It is known as a stress-dependent disease. It triggers a number of mechanisms, which are supposed to ensure homeostasis to the body. However, under prolonged stress, they become harmful to the organism, causing a number of somatic diseases. The aim of this paper was to discuss the cause-effect relationship between depression and somatic comorbidities.

Materials and methods: Databases such as PubMed and Google Scholar were searched to review the scientific literature on the association between depression and somatic comorbidities. The following keywords were used for the search: depression, somatic diseases, inflammation, HPA axis and lifestyle.

Results: A review of the literature showed an increased prevalence of cardiovascular diseases, obesity, diabetes, infections and cancer among patients with depressive disorder. The most important processes underlying these correlations were: hyperactivity of the HPA axis, hyperactivity of the sympathetic nervous system and inflammation.

Conclusion: In patients suffering from depression, attention should be paid to the increased incidence of somatic diseases. Both oncological and internal medicine vigilance should be increased in the treatment.

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Published

2025-03-06

How to Cite

1.
WIKLIŃSKA, Agata, SZYDŁO, Jakub, TKACZYK, Ignacy and RYBACKA-TKACZYK, Katarzyna. Depression and somatic diseases – how are they linked?. Quality in Sport. Online. 6 March 2025. Vol. 39, p. 58457. [Accessed 29 June 2025]. DOI 10.12775/QS.2025.39.58457.

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Vol. 39 (2025)

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Medical Sciences

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Copyright (c) 2025 Agata Wiklińska, Jakub Szydło, Ignacy Tkaczyk, Katarzyna Rybacka-Tkaczyk

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