Mental illnesses make people more likely to develop this
Mental illnesses such as depression and anxiety affect people’s lives. They could also increase the likelihood of people developing chronic diseases, according to a new study.
The study, published on the JAMA Open Network, examined the impact of mental health on different age groups. The results concluded that even when a person is young, mental illness can affect their quality of life and lead to chronic conditions commonly associated with an older population.
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The researchers analyzed a pool of 40,360 Minnesota adults and divided them into three age groups by gender: people in their 20s, 40s and 60s. These groups were then divided into four groups based on their mental health status: those with depression, those with anxiety, anxiety and depression, or neither anxiety nor depression.
The results showed that all women were at higher risk of developing a chronic condition. Of all, women in their 20s with both anxiety and depression were most at risk. Men in their 20s with depression or both anxiety and depression were more likely to develop a chronic condition.
Jasmin Wertz, Lecturer in Psychology at the University of Edinburgh, spoke to CNN and explained the significance and importance of the findings. “We tend to see young people as vital, fit and healthy. We also tend to think that chronic diseases only affect older people. Unfortunately, the reality for people with mental illness can be very different,” she said.
To prevent chronic illness while managing mental illness, researchers recommend staying on top of your condition and taking the necessary medication and behavioral treatments. They also suggest staying healthy by following a healthy sleep schedule, eating balanced meals, and exercising regularly.
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Women have long been more likely to receive mental health diagnoses than men. The researchers don’t understand why, but they believe there can be significant bias based on their gender. One study found that women are more likely to be diagnosed with anxiety or depression, while men are more likely to have substance abuse or antisocial disorders.
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