Section - Quick Takes

05. Does High Salt Intake Increase Risk for Depression and Anxiety?

Published on August 1, 2025 Certification expiration date: August 1, 2028

Derick E. Vergne, M.D.

Assistant Professor - Tufts University School of Medicine

Key Points

A large prospective study found that frequently adding salt to food was associated with increased depression and anxiety risk over 12.7 years of follow-up.
Biological aging appears to mediate the relationship between salt intake and mental health outcomes.
Salt’s effects on mental health may be less pronounced in patients with obesity and elevate cholesterol levels due to pre-existing inflammatory processes.

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Salt Intake Linked to Depression and Anxiety

Today, I will discuss a study published in the Journal of Affective Disorders that examines the connection between salt intake and mental health with a particular focus on depression and anxiety. This research is important because of the rising prevalence of these mental health conditions and the need to identify risk factors that can be modified to help reduce their impact.

The study utilizes data from the United Kingdom Biobank, investigating how often individuals add salt to their food (frequency of adding salt to food, or FASF) and how this behavior relates to depression and anxiety. Additionally, it explores the role of biological aging in these associations, providing a deeper understanding of potential mechanisms at play.

Study Design: Large-Scale Prospective Cohort

The research was designed as a prospective cohort study using UK Biobank data, providing a robust information source. It included:

439,412 participants

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Table of Contents

Learning Objectives:

After completing this activity, the learner will be able to:

Select appropriate antipsychotic strategies for first-episode psychosis patients.
Apply evidence-based dosing strategies for lurasidone in bipolar I depression with severe anxiety.
Assess bleeding risk factors and implement appropriate antidepressant selection strategies for patients requiring concomitant SSRI and oral anticoagulant therapy.
Evaluate the differential efficacy of SSRIs across cardiovascular conditions.
Recognize the relationship between dietary salt intake and mental health outcomes.

Original Release Date: August 1, 2025

Expiration Date: August 1, 2028

Experts: Scott Beach, M.D., Paul Zarkowski, M.D., Kristin Raj, M.D., Oliver Freudenreich, M.D. & Derick Vergne, M.D.

Medical Editors: Flavio Guzmán, M.D. & Sebastián Malleza M.D.

Relevant Financial Disclosures:
Oliver Freudenreich declares the following interests:
– Karuna: Research grant to institution, advisory board
– Vida: Consultant
– American Psychiatric Association: Consultant
– Medscape: Speaker
– Wolters-Kluwer: Royalties, editor
– National Council for Wellbeing: Consultant

All of the relevant financial relationships listed above have been mitigated by Medical Academy and the Psychopharmacology Institute.

None of the other faculty, planners, and reviewers for this educational activity have relevant financial relationships to disclose during the last 24 months with ineligible companies whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients.

Contact Information: For questions regarding the content or access to this activity, contact us at support@psychopharmacologyinstitute.com

Instructions for Participation and Credit:

Participants must complete the activity online during the valid credit period that is noted above.

Follow these steps to earn CME credit:

View the required educational content provided on this course page.
Complete the Post Activity Evaluation for providing the necessary feedback for continuing accreditation purposes and for the development of future activities. NOTE: Completing the Post Activity Evaluation after the quiz is required to receive the earned credit.
Download your certificate.

Accreditation Statement

This activity has been planned and implemented in accordance with the accreditation requirements and policies of the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education through the joint providership of Medical Academy LLC and the Psychopharmacology Institute. Medical Academy is accredited by the ACCME to provide continuing medical education for physicians

Credit Designation Statement

Medical Academy designates this enduring activity for a maximum of 0.75 AMA PRA Category 1 credit(s)™. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.