Environmental Enrichment: An Underestimated Factor Associated With Depression.

Abstract

Background: Despite the well-documented benefits of environmental enrichment (EE) in animal models of depression, the application of these findings to humans is complex due to individual variability and environmental constraints.

Aim: This study aims to investigate the relationship between EE and depression by comparing demographic features and EE levels between individuals with depression and controls.

Methods: A cross-sectional, comparative retrospective study was conducted in a specialized psychiatric facility in Mexico City. Ninety-six control subjects and 86 individuals with major depression (MD) were recruited. Participants with MD were diagnosed according to DSM-5 criteria and scored a minimum of 13 on the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS). Demographic information and EE were assessed using the Environmental Enrichment indicator (EEI), which includes cognitive, social, and physical activity dimensions. Statistical analyses included chi-square tests, t-tests, and logistic regression to identify associations between demographic variables, EE, and depression.

Results: The findings indicated that individuals with MD had lower EE levels compared to controls. Significant predictors of depression included low EE, being unemployed or a housewife, and female gender, while higher education decreased depression risk. Low EE mediated the relationship between occupation and depression. Additionally, the impact of demographic factors on depression was also strongly influenced by the levels of EE.

Conclusion: Socio-demographic characteristics, such as female gender and occupation were associated with depression; additionally, a low level of EE was a predictor of depression. A higher education diminished the depression risk.