Cardiorespiratory fitness and incident use of anxiolytics and antidepressants in adults. A linkage study between HUNT and the Norwegian Prescription Database

Abstract

Background

We investigated the association between cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) and incident use of antidepressants or anxiolytics in the general adult population. Methods

A non-exercise prediction model was used to estimate CRF in 32,603 participants in the third wave of the Trøndelag Health Study (HUNT3; 2006–08). Data on first purchase of antidepressants and anxiolytics were obtained from the Norwegian Prescription Database. Cox regression was used to estimate hazard ratios (HRs). Results

Each 1- metabolic equivalent of task (MET) increase in CRF was associated with 4 % reduced risk of purchasing antidepressant or anxiolytic medication during follow-up (HR 0.96, 95 % Confidence interval [CI] 0.94–0.98). Compared to the low CRF tertile, participants in intermediate (HR 0.93, 95 % CI 0.87–0.98) and high (HR 0.92, 95 % CI 0.86–0.98) CRF tertiles had reduced risk of medication purchase. Men in intermediate and high CRF tertile had lower risk of medication purchase (intermediate HR 0.87, 95 % CI 0.79–0.96; high HR 0.87, 95 % CI 0.78–0.96). Intermediate and high CRF tertiles were associated with reduced risk of medication use for younger adults (20 to <30 years old; intermediate HR 0.74, 95 % CI 0.61–0.91, high HR 0.78, 95 % CI 0.64–0.95) and middle-aged adults (30 to <65 years old; intermediate HR 0.90, 95 % CI 0.83–0.97, high HR 0.90, 95 % CI 0.84–0.98), but not in older adults (≥65 years old). Limitations

Only information about medication purchase and not actual use was available. Conclusion

Increased CRF is associated with reduced risk of anxiolytics and antidepressants purchase, with stronger effects for men and younger adults.