Lower urinary tract symptoms and depression

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the relationship between lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTS) and depression in men through validated questionnaires. PATIENTS AND METHODS Healthy male workers (n = 673) were invited to a free health check-up. Patients underwent a detailed medical examination. All participants completed the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) questionnaire and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). RESULTS Under multiple logistic regression analysis (adjusted for total testosterone and age), a significant effect of IPSS on BDI score was observed: mild depression (BDI score >9): odds ratio (OR) 1.092, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.056 -1.129; P < 0.001; moderate-to-severe depression (BDI score > 19): OR 1.093, 95% CI 1.031-1.159; P = 0.003; and severe depression (BDI score > 29): OR 1.176, 95% CI 1.048-1.320; P = 0.006. CONCLUSIONS In healthy men, LUTS are significantly associated with depression. The treatment of LUTS is very important for the mental health of older men.