(PS3-25) Physical Health Correlates of Depression: Examining Perceptions of Sleep, Eating Behaviors, and Physical Activity in Major Depressive Disorder

Background: Physical health illnesses are associated with an increased risk of mental health disorders, including depressive disorders. Public health interventions are required to address this global health problem. Multiple factors are linked to better overall physical health.  In the current study, we specifically examine the association of self-reported sleep, automaticity behavior with regard to eating habits, physical exercise and mobility in individuals diagnosed with major depressive disorder (MDD).

Methods: 35 participants with MDD and 25 healthy controls (HC) recruited from the Central Pennsylvania area participated in the study. As part of a larger study, participants completed questionnaires measuring depression severity (Montgomery-Asberg Depression Scale, MADRS), level of physical mobility (WHO Disability Assessment Schedule, WHODAS), physical exercise behavior (International Physical Activity Questionnaire, IPAQ), automaticity regarding eating habits (Creature of Habit Scale - COHS), and sleep (Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index - PSQI). Pearson’s bivariate and partial correlations were calculated.

Results: The PSQI (r=.683, p< .001), COHS Automaticity score (r=.394, p=.011), and the WHODAS Getting Around score (r=.461, p< .001) were positively correlated with depression. This remained significant when controlling for the reduced sleep item in the MADRS (r=.432, p< .001), and the reduced appetite item in the MADRS (r=.421, p=.007). The IPAQ did not have a significant relationship with depression.

 


Conclusion: These results suggest that depression is associated with poor sleep, increased food automaticity i.e., less mindful eating, and decreased physical mobility. The findings warrant further research and adjunctive interventions that target improved sleep, physical activity and more informed eating habits to improve depressive symptoms.