Depression and risk of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD): results from the UK Biobank study

BACKGROUND: This study investigated the association between depression and the incidence of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and examined whether the association interacts with age. The analysis was based on 457,958 participants aged 37–73 years from the UK-Biobank prospective cohort study. METHODS: The baseline examination started 2006 and the participants were followed up until 2019–2023 (median follow-up time 13.52 years [interquartile range12.62–14.27]). Depression at baseline and incident GERD at follow-up were defined through sources of the British health system (ICD-codes) and self-report. Multivariable adjusted Cox regression models were used for analysis. Formal tests for interaction with sex and age were conducted. RESULTS: Participants who developed GERD during follow-up were characterized by an unhealthier lifestyle and more comorbidities than individuals without GERD. In multivariable analysis, depression was associated with incident GERD (Hazard ratio 1.51 [1.46,1.55]; P < 0.001). The association decreased with increasing age. There was no interaction with sex. CONCLUSION: Depression and its psycho-physiological consequences may be associated with the development of GERD, in particular in middle-aged people. Consequently, increased attention of the treating physicians regarding an increased risk of GERD in depressed persons is important.