Depression is a complex disease associated with sleep, appetite and body weight disturbances as well as with the level of physical activity, all of which may be the risk factors for the development of metabolic disorders. Different physiological mechanisms as well as psychosocial factors such as gender, age, smoking, stress level, nutrition and level of physical activity can affect the metabolic syndrome (MS) development in depressed patients. It is considered that chronic stress causes depression and subsequent poor lifestyle that can lead to the MS development, which results in increased incidence of cardiovascular disease.

To determine the psychosocial and clinical characteristics of depressed patients with MS diagnosis.

Cross-sectional study was conducted on a sample of 80 patients suffering from depressive disorder. The structured socio-demographic questionnaire, MINI questionnaire, Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression (HAMD-17) and the Clinical Global Impression Scale (CGI) were used as diagnostic instruments. MS diagnosis was made according to NCEP/ATP III criteria.

Depressive patients with MS diagnosis had a significantly higher frequency of suicide attempts, while MS diagnosis significantly more frequently was present in female patients. Increased intake of carbohydrates was an important characteristic of the depression as well as MS.

Further studies are needed in order to explain the observed gender differences, and whether interventions focused on the treatment of depression may contribute to the acceptance of healthy lifestyles, particularly in changing of dietary habits, and thus indirectly contribute to the reduction of MS frequency.