The more severe the depression, the more dangerous to the health, although some studies have indicated that even mild depression, including feelings of hopelessness, experienced over many years may harm the heart in people with no early signs of heart disease. Depression appears to increase the risk for stroke in both women and women. Researchers speculate that depression and stroke might have common patterns of development. Brain scans in the elderly, for example have reported greater atrophy in the brains of depressed individuals than in those of nondepressed ones. Some studies have linked past and current major depression with bone loss in women.
Depression coincides with high pain scores in people with rheumatoid arthritis.
In a study of elderly Japanese patients, the highest mortality rate occurred among those who were severely depressed, with cancer, suicide, and pneumonia as significant causes of death. Depression may also have a direct effect on the nervous system that could lead to erectile problems. On the other hand, erectile dysfunction can cause depression, and the two conditions could perpetuate each other. Increased Risk for Addictions . Severely depressed people are at high risk for alcoholism, smoking, and other forms of addiction.