Psychosomatics 44:412-414, October 2003
© 2003 The Academy of Psychosomatic Medicine
Behavioral Implications of Lowering Cholesterol Levels: A Double-Blind Pilot Study
Tom Ormiston, M.D.,
Owen M. Wolkowitz, M.D.,
Victor I. Reus, M.D., and
Francesca Manfredi, D.O.
Received Dec. 26, 2002; revision received Feb. 19, 2003; accepted March 12, 2003. From the Department of Internal Medicine, Santa Clara Valley Medical Center, San Jose, Calif.; and the Department of Psychiatry, UC, San Francisco, Medical Center, San Francisco. Address correspondence to Dr. Ormiston, Clinical Assistant Professor of Medicine, 751 S. Bascom Ave., San Jose, CA 95128-2699; Thomas.Ormiston{at}hhs.co.santa-clara.ca.us (e-mail).
The treatment of hypercholesterolemia may be associated with greater noncardiac mortality. This current pilot study sought to determine which behaviors, if any, are associated with decreases in cholesterol level. Twelve subjects received one of two cholesterol-reducing drugs or placebo. Cholesterol and behavioral ratings were measured at baseline, 4, and 52 weeks with standardized scales. Cholesterol levels markedly declined with concomitant significant increases in impulsivity ratings at 4 weeks. At 52 weeks, the increase in impulsivity ratings was no longer apparent, but depression ratings showed a significant improvement. This pilot study, although limited in size, raises the possibility that cholesterol-lowering drugs are associated with mild, time-limited increases in impulsivity and with mild, time-delayed improvements in depression ratings.
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