Bone Mineral Density in Women With Depression

David Michelson, Constantine Stratkis, Lauren Hill, James Reynolds,
Elise Galliven, George Chrousos and Philip Gold
N Engl J Med 1996;335:1176-1181



Researchers compared the bone mineral densities of 24 women (only 24?) who had periods of depression lasting at least 3 months with the bone mineral densities of 24 other women.

The researchers found that past or current depression in women was associated with a 6 to 14 percent decrease in bone mineral density. But before those who may be bummed out add a mineral supplement to their daily vitamin dosage, keep the researchers own words in mind:

The specificity of our findings and their underlying pathophysiology are uncertain.

Isn't is nice to know that you can get published in a major medical journal even though you have real doubts about your own findings?

And how about this little gem as a supporting rationale for their results:

Decreased bone density has been found in patients with anorexia nervosa...

Let's see, how would my five-year-old put this.... DUH!

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