A South Korean study found that a weak handshake could be an early indicator of depression. Know the symptoms of the disease
Scientists at Yonsei University School of Medicine in South Korea suggest that a simple handshake has a lot to say about a person, including their mental health. The South Korean study found that a weak grip could be an early sign of depression. To reach this conclusion, researchers evaluated 51,000 adults from six countries, all over the age of 45.
How the study was conducted
The research team measured the volunteers’ grip strength with a dynamometer. They then compared the results with a mental health assessment. Respondents were asked to rate statements such as: “I am bothered by things that don’t usually bother me” and “I feel like everything I did was a wasted effort,” for example.
People who had less hand strength were up to three times more likely to agree with negative statements, a behavior already associated with depression. “Early assessment of grip strength may help identify the risk of depression early among middle-aged and older adults,” the authors suggest.
Researchers have not defined a specific reason for the relationship between depression and hand weakness. However, they suggest that poor grip may be associated with a lack of physical activity, which is also often linked to a deterioration in mental well-being. The authors point out that, although the method can contribute to diagnosis, it does not replace an adequate psychological evaluation.
Symptoms of depression
According to the Ministry of Health, the lifetime prevalence of depression in Brazil is approximately 15.5%. According to the Ministry, the indicative signs of depression are:
- Depressive mood: feeling of sadness, self-devaluation and guilt. They believe they have irreversibly lost the ability to experience pleasure or joy. Everything seems empty, the world is seen without colors, without shades of joy. Many are more apathetic than sad, reporting a “feeling of lack of feeling.” They consider themselves a burden to their family and friends and invoke death as a form of relief for themselves and their family. They give negative evaluations of themselves, the world and the future. They perceive difficulties as insurmountable, having a desire to end a painful state. Additionally, suicidal thoughts range from wishing to be dead to detailed plans to kill oneself. These thoughts must be systematically investigated;
- Motor delay, lack of energy, laziness or excessive tiredness, slow thinking, lack of concentration, complaints of lack of memory, will and initiative;
- Insomnia or drowsiness: Insomnia is usually intermediate or terminal. Drowsiness is more associated with so-called atypical depression;
- Appetite: generally decreased, and in some forms of depression an increase in appetite can be observed, with greater interest in carbohydrates and sweets;
- Reduced sexual interest;
- Diffuse physical pain and symptoms such as malaise, tiredness, digestive disorders, chest pain, tachycardia, sweating.
Source: Terra
Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.
