Depression and bone mineral density in a community sample of men: Geelong Osteoporosis Study

Abstract

Background: Previous research in psychiatric and community samples has demonstrated reduced bone mineral density (BMD) in individuals with both clinical depression and depressive symptoms, although the findings are equivocal. This study aimed to investigate the association between self-reported depression and BMD in a community sample of men aged 20-96 years enrolled in the Geelong Osteoporosis Study. Methods: A self-report questionnaire based on DSM-IV criteria was used to determine lifetime prevalence rates of depression within the study sample at baseline. Those currently taking oral glucocorticoids, testosterone or bisphosphonates were excluded from the analysis (n = 23) resulting in a s..