Osteoporosis and Depression May Be Linked, Scientists Say

Osteoporosis and Depression May be Linked, Scientists Say

Copyright (c) 2009 Katie Kelley

Scientists recently discovered an astonishing new association related to the onset of osteoporosis among patients. The relationship, which is between bone metabolism and depression is becoming more prevalent, according to a study published in a recent issue of European Journal Psychotherapy.

The study found that through the analyzation of data between 1994 and 2007, the “association between psychiatric illness, particularly depression, and osteoporosis been the subject of a growing body of research,” and the increased interest between the two issues is resulting in much validity, according to researchers.

Researchers continue to struggle with why the development of osteoporosis may be linked to that of a depression diagnosis as well. Currently, scientists continue to scrutinize as well as examine the increasingly notable relationship between the two conditions.

What is Depression?

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) describes depression as everyday feelings of sadness that “interfere with daily life, normal functioning and causes pain for both the person with the disorder and those who care about him or her.”

Depression is often identified by several reoccurring signs and symptoms including what the NIMH describes here:

* persistent sadness, anxious or empty feelings

* hopelessness and pessimism about life

* feelings of guilt, worthlessness, helplessness

* thoughts of suicide

* overeating or appetite loss

* insomnia, waking up in the early morning as well as continued sleep

* aches, pains, headaches — all of which are persistent

* inability to concentrate

* decreased energy and increased feelings of fatigue

* irritability

Causes of Osteoporosis

There are several reasons behind the onset of osteoporosis including the following, reported by the Mayo Clinic:

* size and density of bones

* calcium, phosphorus and other minerals found in the bones

* bone remodeling/bone turnover

* onset of menopause or when estrogen decreases

* bone mass retention

Additionally, scientists and physicians have discovered a new link between diabetes patients and the development of osteoporosis. One of the medications used to treat insulin regulation among type 2 diabetes patients, known as Avandia, has been linked to causing osteoporosis among patients, according to news reports from The New England Journal of Medicine and Swiss researchers.

Avandia (rosiglitazone), which was developed as a new type of medication known as thiaxolidinedione from GlaxoSmithKline, was released in May 1999. There are additional side effects associated with consumption of the drug including the following:

* weight gain

* cough

* cold

* headache

* inflammation of the sinuses

* back pain

* swelling

* fluid retention

However, the most damning discovery of additional side effects including increased risk of developing osteoporosis and bone fractures among women as well as heart failure among patients were discovered only recently. Patients who have suffered from any of these Avandia side effects are encouraged to seek medical counsel to discuss switching medications.

Individuals may also require legal advice from an experienced pharmaceutical lawyer regarding the development of an Avandia class action lawsuit. Also, developing a lawsuit with a knowledgeable Avandia attorney may result in being awarded monetary funds as compensation for damages endured.