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Obesity. Both obesity and depression are increasing in Americans. In a 2002 study, for instance, adolescents who were depressed had a high risk for obesity. Conversely, a 2006 study suggested that obese people are about 25% more likely than non-obese people to develop depression or other mood disorders. The conditions may have common risk factors. For example, being in a lower social and economic group increases the risk for both obesity and depression. Low physical activity may also be a common factor.
Increasing Sensations of Pain. Depression coincides with increased pain in people with conditions such as those arthritis or fibromyalgia.
Cancer. The relationship between depression and cancer has been explored for years with only a few clear-cut associations. Certainly depression and anxiety can have a profound impact on quality of life in cancer patients. A 2002 study reported a worse outlook in cancer patients with a history of depressive symptoms -- but not in patients whose depression occurred after the illness.
Impact on Daily Activities and Relationships
Effects of Parental Depression on Children. Depression in parents can have profound effects on their children. It not only increases the risk for depression in their children, but, according to one study, it may even increase a child's risk for many medical conditions (urinary and genital disorders, headaches, lung problems).
Effects on Marriage. In one survey, nearly half of people who suffered from psychiatric disorders before or during their first marriage were divorced, compared to a divorce rate of 36% in those who never suffered from emotional disorders. Spouses of partners with depression are themselves at higher risk for depression.
Effect on Work. Depression is well-known to adversely affect a person's work life. It significantly increases the risk for unemployment and lower income. Major depression, according to a major 2003 survey, accounts for nearly half of the nation's excess lost productive time (in most cases because of reduced performance at work). Workers with depression also lose significantly more time due to ill health than non-depressed workers. Such lost time is estimated to cost the country billions of dollars each year.
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