Depression associated with antihypertensive drugs
Prisant, L.M.; Spruill, W.J.; Fincham, J.E.; Wade, W.E.; Carr, A.A.; Adams, M.A.
Journal of Family Practice 33(5): 481-485
1991
ISSN/ISBN: 0094-3509 PMID: 1682414 Document Number: 383320
Background: Depression is a potential side effect of antihypertensive drug therapy. Consideration of this side effect is a reason often cited by physicians for not choosing certain drugs. Methods: In this prospective study the relative rates of depression were measured by the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS) in patients from four hypertension treatment groups. Treatment groups consisted of 446 patients receiving: no drug therapy, diuretics only, diuretics plus reserpine, and diuretics plus .beta.-blockers. Demographic data including age, sex, and race were collected. Analysis of variance was used to compare the rate of depression among the treatment groups, as well as among age, sex, and racial groups. Results. Using a Zung SDS index of .gtoreq.50, 35.4% of the hypertensive population was depressed. Age and sex were not significant factors in the frequency of depression. Blacks scored higher than whites in all drug treatment groups except those treated with high lipophilic .beta.-blockers, but the rate of depression was not higher. Whites on the lowest dose of reserpine had the lowest rate of depression. The rate of depression among those taking reserpine or .beta.-blockers was no different than that among those receiving either no treatment or diuretics. Conclusions: Reserpine or .beta.-blocker therapy did not cause any more depression than any other antihypertensive treatment.