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Can Statins Diminish Depression?

Author
Abstract
:

Depression is a common malady associated with numerous chronic medical conditions such as coronary artery disease, hypertension, and diabetes. Statins provide protection against coronary and cerebrovascular diseases by decreasing cholesterol synthesis in the liver. Statin medications also reduce inflammation. Since the pathophysiology of depression involves inflammation, statins could have a role in the treatment of mood disorders and might become a pharmacotherapy option for patients experiencing depression. There is evidence suggesting an antidepressant effect when statins are adjunctively co-prescribed with antidepressant medicines. However, confounding data also exist refuting a positive effect of these drugs at elevating mood. More research is required to confirm a potentially beneficial effect of prescribing statins to people with clinical depression.

Year of Publication
:
2018
Journal
:
The primary care companion for CNS disorders
Volume
:
20
Issue
:
1
Date Published
:
2018
ISSN Number
:
2155-7772
DOI
:
10.4088/PCC.17br02169
Short Title
:
Prim Care Companion CNS Disord
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