Overview

• Individuals with multiple chronic physical illnesses face a significantly higher risk of developing depression, with certain disease combinations doubling this likelihood.
• Cardiometabolic conditions, including diabetes and heart disease, and chronic respiratory illnesses like asthma and COPD are key contributors to depression risk.
• Women with joint and bone diseases, such as arthritis, show a pronounced susceptibility to depression compared to men, reflecting gender-specific patterns.
• In the highest-risk multimorbidity clusters, one in 12 individuals developed depression over ten years, compared to one in 25 without chronic conditions.
• The study underscores the need for integrated care models that address both mental and physical health, challenging traditional siloed healthcare approaches.