# Depression and risk of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD): results from the UK Biobank study

## TL;DR

This study found that depression increases the risk of developing gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD), especially in middle-aged individuals.

## Contribution

The study reveals a significant association between depression and GERD risk that diminishes with age.

## Key findings

- Depression was associated with a 51% increased risk of developing GERD (Hazard ratio 1.51).
- The association between depression and GERD risk decreased with increasing age.
- Depressed individuals had an unhealthier lifestyle and more comorbidities compared to non-depressed individuals.

## Abstract

This study investigated the association between depression and the incidence of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD) and examined whether the association interacts with age. The analysis was based on 457,958 participants aged 37–73 years from the UK-Biobank prospective cohort study.

The baseline examination started 2006 and the participants were followed up until 2019–2023 (median follow-up time 13.52 years [interquartile range12.62–14.27]). Depression at baseline and incident GERD at follow-up were defined through sources of the British health system (ICD-codes) and self-report. Multivariable adjusted Cox regression models were used for analysis. Formal tests for interaction with sex and age were conducted.

Participants who developed GERD during follow-up were characterized by an unhealthier lifestyle and more comorbidities than individuals without GERD. In multivariable analysis, depression was associated with incident GERD (Hazard ratio 1.51 [1.46,1.55]; P < 0.001). The association decreased with increasing age. There was no interaction with sex.

Depression and its psycho-physiological consequences may be associated with the development of GERD, in particular in middle-aged people. Consequently, increased attention of the treating physicians regarding an increased risk of GERD in depressed persons is important.

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12876-025-04591-7.