EFFECTS OF HYPOCHOLESTEROLEMIC DIETARY AND DRUG-THERAPY ON MEASURES OF DYSPHORIC EMOTIONS

The question of whether hypocholesterolemic treatment is associated wi th increased mortality due to suicide, violence and car accidents is c ontroversial and of great importance. We investigated the effect of hy pocholesterolemic dietary and drug therapy on dysphoric emotions. Twen ty-five hypocholesterolemic men were started on a 3-month dietary modi fication plan; those who showed unsatisfactory cholesterol reduction w ere given, in addition, a hypocholesterolemic drug for up to 1 year. L ipid profile and change in dysphoric emotions were measured. During th e whole period, a negative correlation was found between cholesterol l evel and depression. During the dietary period, a significant improvem ent in depression and guilt with no change in lipid profile was noted. Drug therapy significantly reduced cholesterol levels, with a trend t oward increased depression (after 3 months) and a significant increase in aggression and guilt (after 1 year). We conclude that changes in d ysphoric emotions occurring during hypocholesterolemic therapy cannot be completely explained by the changes in cholesterol levels. (C) 1998 Elsevier, Paris.