Low psychological distress linked to chronic diseases

LOW levels of psychological distress can increase the risk of developing some chronic diseases including arthritis, and types of heart and lung disease, according to new research.

The study, led by Catharine Gale, a professor of cognitive epidemiology at the Medical Research Council’s Lifecourse Epidemiology Unit at Southampton General Hospital, assessed 16,485 UK adults over a three-year period.

Results, published in the Journal of Psychosomatic Research, showed that distress, even at low or moderate levels, was a significant risk factor in developing conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), arthritis and cardiovascular disease.

Psychological distress is a term that describes a wide range of mental health symptoms, from mild anxiety and depression to severe psychiatric disease.

Prof Gale said: “Although the relationship between significant distress and the onset of arthritis, COPD, cardiovascular disease and diabetes is well established, there is a significant gap in knowledge regarding the link between lower and moderate levels of distress and the development of chronic conditions.

“Our findings show that even low levels of distress, below the level usually considered significant, appear to increase the risk of developing a chronic disease, so intervention to reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression may help to prevent the onset of these illnesses.”