Contrary to recent controversial suggestions, lowering serum cholesterol levels does not increase the risk of depression and violence, according to a report in the Nov. 13, 2000 issue of Archives of Internal Medicine. Researchers in New Zealand and Australia assessed psychological well-being of 1,130 people with coronary artery disease who were already participants in the Long-term Intervention with Pravastatin in Ischaemic Disease (LIPID) Study. They completed questionnaires designed to assess anxiety and depression, anger, impulsiveness, alcohol consumption, and adverse life events at baseline and after 6 months, 1 year, 2 years, and 4 years.

There was no significant difference in patients receiving active drug vs. placebo in measures of anxiety and depression, anger expression, or impulsiveness. There was also no difference in the proportion of people with excessive alcohol consumption or adverse life events. Without any association between change in the serum cholesterol level and measures of anxiety and depression, anger, or impulsiveness, the researchers concluded that reducing cholesterol levels has no adverse effect on psychological well-being.