We’re proud to share that Dr. Michelle Dees, board-certified psychiatrist and founder of Luxury Psychiatry Clinic, was featured in Health.com’s March 2025 article, “New Research Pinpoints the Ways Depression Could Affect Physical Health as You Age.” The piece explores new findings published in PLOS Medicine that show people living with depression accumulate more physical health conditions—and at a faster rate—than those without the disorder.
Drawing on data from over 172,500 participants in the U.K. Biobank, researchers found that adults with depression averaged three chronic health conditions compared to two for those without. More strikingly, people with depression developed new conditions about every five years—30% faster than peers of the same age and sex without depression. High blood pressure, osteoarthritis, allergies, and gastroesophageal reflux disease were among the most common issues, alongside sleeplessness, chronic pain, obesity, and loneliness.
Experts interviewed for the article emphasized that while the exact mechanisms remain unclear, the connection between depression and physical health is undeniable. Depression often disrupts sleep, exercise, diet, and social patterns—habits that protect against chronic disease. Researchers also pointed to biological factors such as inflammation and genetic predispositions that may simultaneously increase vulnerability to both depression and medical illness.
Importantly, the study supports a “bidirectional” view: not only does depression appear to accelerate physical decline, but chronic medical conditions also raise the risk of developing depression. This creates a cycle that underscores the need for integrated, whole-person care. Mental and physical health are too often siloed in the healthcare system, but the evidence shows they are deeply interconnected.
Dr. Dees contributed to this discussion by highlighting the importance of treating depression as a condition that affects the entire body—not just the mind. Her perspective reinforces that comprehensive psychiatric care must consider both psychological and physical health outcomes. The article emphasizes that patients should share changes in mood, energy, sleep, or appetite with their healthcare providers, since early recognition and treatment of depression can not only improve emotional well-being but also reduce long-term medical risks.
The significance of Dr. Dees’s contribution lies in reframing depression from being viewed solely as a “mental health issue” to being recognized as a driver of broader health outcomes. By situating psychiatry at the intersection of physical and emotional care, she underscores the need for collaborative, holistic treatment models that help patients protect both their mental and physical longevity.
At Luxury Psychiatry Clinic, we integrate this philosophy into every aspect of our care. Our services include:
- Comprehensive psychiatric evaluations and medication management
- TMS and Exomind® therapy to improve mood, focus, and neuroplasticity
- Spravato® (esketamine) for treatment-resistant depression
- Psychotherapy addressing both mood and lifestyle factors such as sleep, nutrition, and stress
- Personalized care plans that align mental wellness with physical well-being
With offices in Chicago, IL and Orlando, FL, Luxury Psychiatry Clinic helps patients move beyond fragmented care to achieve balanced, lasting health.
Dr. Dees’s feature in Health.com reflects what our patients already know: treating depression is about more than lifting mood—it’s about protecting your whole health for years to come.
