Osteoporosis and depression are associated – one increases the risk of the other in many people with these conditions.1,2 As well as this comorbidity, the fact that the use of certain medications – including Parkinson’s disease medications, antidepressants, antipsychotics, and benzodiazepines – may reduce bone density and increase the risk of hip fracture is something that clinicians should be aware of, and where possible ameliorate.3,4
References:
1.Chen K, Wang T, Tong X, et al. Osteoporosis is associated with depression among older adults: a nationwide population-based study in the USA from 2005 to 2020. Public Health 2024; 226: 27–31.
2.Berk M, Köhler-Forsberg O, Turner M, et al. Comorbidity between major depressive disorder and physical diseases: a comprehensive review of epidemiology, mechanisms and management. World Psychiatry 2023; 22 (3): 366–387.
3.Mercurio M, de Filippis R, Spina G, et al. The use of antidepressants is linked to bone loss: a systematic review and metanalysis. Orthop Rev (Pavia) 2022; 14 (6): 38564.
4.Mortensen SJ, Mohamadi A, Wright CL, et al. Medications as a risk factor for fragility hip fractures: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Calcif Tissue Int 2020; 107 (1): 1–9.
