Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are frequently prescribed for depression, and many people with depression also take statin drugs to control elevated blood cholesterol.

A study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry indicated that patients taking both an SSRI and a statin were less likely to contact a psychiatric hospital for treatment of depression or for any other reason.

One explanation for this finding could be related to the anti-inflammatory effects of statin drugs.

Lowering inflammation can lift mood. The results were consistent with previous research showing that depression treatment effects of the SSRI fluoxetine could be augmented using the statin drug lovastatin.

Experts recommend further study to determine whether statin drugs could be useful as additional treatments for depressed patients who are not responding to an antidepressant.