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Relationship between depression and cerebrovascular disease: conceptual issues
1Department of Psychiatry, University of Ottawa, Royal Ottawa Hospital, 1145 Carling Avenue, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada. rramasub@rohcg.on.ca
Journal of Affective Disorders
|March 10, 2000
Summary
The link between cerebrovascular disease (CVD) and depression is complex. Research suggests depression may worsen CVD outcomes and vice versa, highlighting the need for a nuanced understanding of their relationship.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Psychiatry
- Epidemiology
Background:
- The association between cerebrovascular disease (CVD) and depression is established.
- However, a comprehensive understanding of their complex relationship remains limited.
Purpose of the Study:
- To examine empirical evidence on the hierarchical, interactive, and comorbid relationships between CVD and depression.
- To discuss conceptual issues surrounding these connections.
Main Methods:
- Selective literature review.
- Analysis of empirical evidence and conceptual issues.
Main Results:
- The concept of vascular depression may oversimplify the role of psychosocial factors.
- Evidence suggests depression can increase CVD morbidity and impede stroke recovery, indicating an interactive relationship.
- Concurrent occurrence may stem from shared etiological factors like genetics, alcoholism, and personality traits.
Conclusions:
- A modified comorbidity model is proposed to guide future research.
- This model can help investigate hierarchical, interactive, and common etiological links between CVD and depression.