STORY AT-A-GLANCE
- Statin drugs are associated with an increased risk of depression and anxiety. Researchers also find they increase acts of aggression and violence, raise the risk of suicide and compromise cognition
- The number of people taking the drugs increased to 35 million in the U.S. following new recommendations in 2016
- The scientific community is marked by a significant lack of interest in investigating the effects on personality
- Other known side effects include musculoskeletal disorders, atherosclerosis, cataracts, neurodegenerative diseases and osteoporosis
- Your protection may be increased by evaluating your risk of heart disease, understanding your cholesterol numbers and analyzing your iron levels and overall diet