Different Types of Depression Linked to Different Cardiometabolic Diseases

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Scientists have discovered that different types of depression are associated with different cardiometabolic diseases, according to a study presented at the ECNP Congress in Amsterdam. Over seven years, researchers tracked 5,794 adults who were free of diabetes and cardiovascular disease at the study's start, and found that around 8% of the participants developed a cardiometabolic condition during the follow-up period. The study identified two distinct depressive profiles, one typified by "melancholic" symptoms and another by "atypical/energy-related" symptoms, and found that individuals with atypical/energy-related symptoms were around 2.7 times more likely to develop Type-2 diabetes than individuals without depressive symptoms.

Key Takeaways:

  • Two distinct depressive profiles were identified: "melancholic" symptoms (such as early morning awakening and reduced appetite) and "atypical/energy-related" symptoms (such as fatigue, increased sleep, and increased appetite).
  • Individuals with atypical/energy-related symptoms were around 2.7 times more likely to develop Type-2 diabetes than individuals without depressive symptoms.
  • Those with "melancholic" symptoms were around 1.5 times more at risk of cardiovascular disease (such as a heart attack, or stroke) than individuals without depressive symptoms.
  • Patients with atypical/energy-related symptoms showed disruptions in inflammatory and metabolic processes linked to cardiometabolic health.
  • The study suggests that treating depression may not be enough to prevent cardiometabolic diseases, and that a more personalized approach is needed.
  • The study's findings have significant implications for the prevention and treatment of cardiometabolic diseases in people with depression.
  • Dr. Chiara Fabbri commented that preventing and treating physical diseases in people with depression is a healthcare priority.

Statistics:

  • 8% of the participants developed a cardiometabolic condition during the follow-up period.
  • 2.7 times more likely for individuals with atypical/energy-related symptoms to develop Type-2 diabetes.
  • 1.5 times more at risk for individuals with "melancholic" symptoms to develop cardiovascular disease.
  • 5,794 adults were enrolled in the study.
  • 66 million people in the EUR Region are expected to have diabetes by 2050, according to the International Diabetes Federation.

Sources:

  • "Scientists Link Different Types of Depression to Different Cardiometabolic Diseases" (VerticalNews, Nov 2, 2025)
  • Dr. Yuri Milaneschi (Lead researcher, Amsterdam UNC)
  • Dr. Chiara Fabbri (University of Bologna, commented on the study)
  • "International Diabetes Federation. IDF Diabetes Atlas, 9th edition" (International Diabetes Federation, 2020)