Abstract

Aim There is signifi cant amount of evidence linking low cholesterol levels to aggressive behaviors, depression and suicide. Material and Methods The objective of this study was to determine whether a correlation exists between serum total cholesterol levels and depressive state in 77 male workers labouring in a bomb plant and in 80 male offi ce personnel. Depressive statuses of the subjects were determined by using Beck Depression Rating Scale and Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale. Results Depression scores were signifi cantly higher and total cholesterol levels were signifi cantly lower in bomb factory workers than that of offi ce staff . In both types of workers, cholesterol levels were negatively correlated with depression scores according to both Beck and Zung scales. Total cholesterol levels of bomb factory workers with moderate and severe depression symptoms were signifi cantly lower when compared with normal and mild depression. Conclusion These data indicate that low serum total cholesterol level is associated with increased risk of depressive state.

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