Albuminuria and Mental Illness Risk: Results From National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2005–2018 and Mendelian Randomization Analyses

Abstract

ABSTRACT Background Recent evidence suggests a link between albuminuria and mental illness. However, whether this association is stable, and its specific mechanisms remain unclear. Methods The cross‐sectional study utilized data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2005–2018. Weighted multivariable‐adjusted logistic regression, subgroup analysis, interaction tests, and restricted cubic spline (RCS) were conducted to assess the correlation between albuminuria and the risk of mental illness (depression). Subsequently, two‐sample Mendelian randomization analyses were performed to investigate the relationship between albuminuria and various mental illnesses (anxiety disorder, persistent delusional disorder, schizophrenia, schizotypal personality disorder, panic disorder, post‐traumatic stress disorder [PTSD], obsessive‐compulsive disorder, bipolar I disorder, bipolar II disorder, depression, autism, social anxiety disorder). Results Albuminuria was consistently found to have a significant association with the risk of depression, regardless of its classification as a continuous or outcome variable. A positive correlation was found between albuminuria and depression in different age groups, gender, race, education attainment, and those with hypertension, coronary heart disease, and diabetes. Further, there is a positive correlation between albuminuria and the occurrence of schizophrenia and persistent delusional disorder. Conclusion There is a close association between albuminuria and mental illness, with albuminuria being a risk factor for schizophrenia and persistent delusional disorder. Further research is needed to establish the specific connections.

Keywords

• albuminuria
• cross‐sectional study
• mental illness risk
• National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey
• persistent delusional disorder
• schizophrenia