Major depression is a serious medical condition with an estimated lifetime prevalence rate of 16.6% (32.6-35.1 million) within the USA. High comorbidity exists between major depression and chronic medical conditions, such as Type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease and polycystic ovary syndrome. These diseases are, in turn, pathophysiologically linked by a metabolic state of insulin resistance, characterized by hyperinsulinemia, hyperlipidemia and often overweight/obesity. Many common psychiatric medications, such as antidepressants, anticonvulsants and antipsychotics, used in the treatment of major depression are associated with metabolic dysfunction indicative of insulin resistance. This article provides a review of data specific to major depression and insulin resistance, discusses shared health-related problems seen in both conditions, and examines adverse side effects of antidepressant and antipsychotic medications used to treat depression.
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