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  An osteoporotic elderly women in Japan. (Photo credit: Wikipedia)
  Recent research has made a link between low bone mineral density and depression
  An array of studies is now showing that individuals with depression may also be at risk of osteoporosis. This can include younger females who are premenopausal as well as males who suffer from depression, even though osteoporosis affects more females that males. individuals with osteoporosis often need to make lifestyle changes to decrease their risk of fracture. The following lifestyle changes could potentially increase the risk of depression:
  1. Loss of independence can be one of the largest fears with osteoporosis, this concern can be stressful especially when the individual feels that there is nothing that can be done to improve the situation.
  2. Loss of bone mass, may reduce the comfort of activities of daily living, making these tasks difficult.
  3. Risk aversion lifestyle changes are recommended with the diagnosis of osteoporosis for fracture avoidance. These changes can limit an individual from activities that were once enjoyable.
  4. Discomfort and nervousness in crowded places for fear of falling can further limit activities that were once enjoyed.
  The trend of bone mass loss can be reversed, however the commitment to the proper diet, weight bearing exercise, and other physical activities that can help build confidence, like balance training are best applied after the depression is treated. A health care provider must first diagnose depression, then treatment can begin. Treatments can include behavioral therapy, designed to change the negative thinking of the individual. Pharmaceutical antidepressants can also be prescribed, however some antidepressants can increase the risk of osteoporosis. Other medications can increase fall risk, therefore making them not preferred in depressed osteoporotic cases. Individuals should consult their health care professional for the best treatment plan.
  For more antidepressant information, please visit the US Food and Drug Administration website at http://www.fda. gov.
  Individuals do not respond to treatment the same way. Medications can take several weeks to take effect, may need to be combined with ongoing behavioral therapy, or may need to be adjusted to minimize side effects and achieve the best results.
  Laudisio a, Marzetti e, Cocchi a, Bernabei r, Zuccala G. association of depressive symptoms with bone min- eral density in older men: a population-based study. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry. 2008 nov; 23(11):1119–26.