Depression increases early deaths by up to THREE TIMES

Depression increases the risk of an early death by up to three times, new research reveals.

Men’s risk of a premature passing increases three-fold when suffering from the mental health condition, while women’s risk is heightened by up to 51 percent, a study found.

Previous research reveals depression causes the release of stress hormones that suppress the immune system, putting sufferers at an increased risk of conditions such as cancer.

People with the mental health condition may also be more likely to have unhealthy lifestyle habits, including a poor diet, inactivity and excessive alcohol intake, past studies have shown.

Lead author Stephen Gilman from the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development in Maryland, said: ‘For some individuals depression can be very serious condition.It is very important to seek treatment for depression and to be vigilant about recurrences.’

Depression increases the risk of an early death by up to three times, research reveals (stock)

STARTING SCHOOL BEFORE 8.30AM CAUSES DEPRESSION AS STUDENTS ARE SLEEP DEPRIVED

Starting school before 8.30am increases students’ risk of suffering depression and anxiety, research suggested earlier this month.

Early start times are thought to put pressure on children to get plenty of shut eye, which hinders their ability to sleep and puts them at greater risk of mental health conditions, the researchers believe.

Lead author Dr Jack Peltz from the University of Rochester Medical Center, said: ‘Earlier school start times seem to put more pressure on the sleep process and increase mental health symptoms, while later school start times appear to be a strong protective factor for teens.

‘Better sleep hygiene combined with later school start times would yield better outcomes.’

The researchers recommend students maintain a consistent bedtime routine that aims for between eight and 10 hours of shut eye a night, as well as minimizing their technology use before attempting to nod off.

How the research was carried out

The researchers analyzed 3,410 adults between 1952 and 1967, 1968 and 1990, and 1991 and 2011.

The study’s participants’ had an average age of 50 when the trial started.

‘Depression can be very serious condition’

Results reveal depression increases the risk of an early death by up to three times.

Men’s risk increases three-fold, while women’s peaks at 51 percent.

The risk is greatest in the years following a depressive episode.

Previous research has linked depression to the release of stress hormones that suppress the immune system, putting sufferers at increased risk of disorders including multiple sclerosis, arthritis and even certain cancers.

People with depression may also neglect their physical health through lifestyle habits such as a poor diet, inactivity, smoking and excessive alcohol intake.

The mental health condition is more prevalent in women, however, past findings suggest men suffer the effects of it more as they are often less inclined to seek help.

Mr Gilman said: ‘For some individuals depression can be very serious condition.

‘It is very important to seek treatment for depression and to be vigilant about recurrences.’

The findings were published in the Canadian Medical Association Journal.

Read more at DailyMail.co.uk