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What physical illnesses can be caused by depression?

Nov 21, 2025 Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Baohua
Introduction
Depression may trigger cardiovascular diseases, digestive system disorders, sleep-related conditions, immune system disorders, metabolic diseases, and others. Prolonged emotional imbalance can affect the function of multiple systems, leading to or exacerbating physical illnesses. If depression is accompanied by persistent physical discomfort or if organic abnormalities are detected during medical examinations, prompt medical consultation is recommended.

Depression may trigger cardiovascular diseases, digestive system disorders, sleep-related conditions, immune system dysfunction, metabolic disorders, and other illnesses. Prolonged emotional imbalance can affect multiple body systems, leading to or exacerbating physical health problems. If depression is accompanied by persistent physical discomfort or organic lesions are detected during medical examinations, prompt medical consultation is recommended.

1. Cardiovascular Diseases: Chronic depression can lead to sympathetic nervous system activation and elevated blood pressure, increasing the risk of atherosclerosis. It may also cause palpitations, chest tightness, and even trigger coronary heart disease or arrhythmias. Emotional fluctuations are a significant contributing factor.

2. Digestive System Diseases: Depressive emotions can suppress gastrointestinal motility and secretion of digestive fluids, leading to chronic gastritis, gastric ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and other conditions. Symptoms such as bloating, abdominal pain, acid reflux, diarrhea, or constipation often worsen with emotional changes.

3. Sleep-Related Disorders: Chronic insomnia, early morning awakening, or poor sleep quality may lead to neurasthenia, migraines, memory decline, and difficulty concentrating. These issues can further impair metabolic and immune functions.

4. Immune System Disorders: Depression can reduce the activity of immune cells and lower the body's resistance, increasing susceptibility to infections. It may also trigger autoimmune diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis and thyroiditis, prolonging recovery time from illness.

5. Metabolic Disorders: Depression can disrupt appetite and reduce physical activity, leading to obesity or malnutrition. It may also impair insulin sensitivity, increasing the risk of type 2 diabetes, and is often associated with abnormal lipid metabolism.

Maintaining regular作息 (daily routines), engaging in moderate exercise, eating a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients, avoiding prolonged isolation, communicating regularly with family and friends to release emotions, and cultivating hobbies to redirect attention can help reduce the ongoing impact of emotional distress on physical health.

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