Steroids may cause depression as they ‘change shape of brain’

PRESCRIBED steroids have been linked to a raised risk of depression and tiredness, as well as other health concerns, a major study has found.

Millions of Britons are on steroids to treat a range of conditions such as arthritis, COPD, eczema and asthma as well as dampening the immune system in people with auto-immune disorders.

However, a study has found glucocorticoids – one variety of the drugs often used to treat auto-immune and inflammatory skin diseases – may physically change the shape and structure of the brain as well as potentially increase the risk of mental health issues.

Prolonged use of systemic glucocorticoids have previously been linked to potential side-effects in the long term but there has been little research to prove such a connection exists.

Scientists from Leiden University in the Netherlands looked at how systemic (infusion or tablet) and inhaled glucocorticoids affected people over time.

The drugs work by dampening a person’s immune system to prevent chemicals being released that target and attack their own organs. Examples of such chemicals include dexamethasone, cortisone and budesonide.

Almost 800 patients, the majority in their 60s, who are part of the UK Biobank study were enrolled in the research, with scientists equipped with MRI images of their brains as well as extensive medical records.

The brains of the patients were then compared with more than 24,000 other people of similar health, age and demographic to identify any differences in grey and white matter.

Both systemic and inhaled glucocorticoid use were associated with physically different white and grey matter, with systemic administration of the drugs more strongly implicated.

The study, published in the journal BMJ Open, said systemic use was associated with larger grey matter volume in the caudate structure in the brain, while inhaled users had smaller amygdala grey matter volume.

In their paper, the team add that the findings are “remarkable” and that due to how widespread prescribed steroids are there is now a need for heightened awareness of the links between the treatments and potential neuropsychiatric side-effects.