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Depression associated with antihypertensive drugs
L M Prisant1, W J Spruill, J E Fincham
1Section of Hypertension, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta 30912-3150.
The Journal of Family Practice
|November 1, 1991
Summary
Antihypertensive drugs like reserpine or beta-blockers do not increase depression rates. This study found no significant difference in depression among various hypertension treatments.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Psychiatry
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Depression is a known potential side effect of antihypertensive medications.
- Physicians often avoid certain drugs due to concerns about inducing depression.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relative rates of depression in patients undergoing different antihypertensive therapies.
- To determine if specific drug classes, such as reserpine or beta-blockers, are associated with increased depression.
Main Methods:
- A prospective study involving 466 patients with hypertension.
- Depression was assessed using the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale (SDS).
- Patients were categorized into four groups: no drug therapy, diuretics only, diuretics plus reserpine, and diuretics plus beta-blockers.
Main Results:
- 35.4% of the hypertensive population exhibited depression (Zung SDS index >= 50).
- Age and sex were not significant factors influencing depression frequency.
- Reserpine or beta-blocker therapy showed no higher rate of depression compared to no treatment or diuretics alone.
Conclusions:
- Antihypertensive therapies including reserpine and beta-blockers do not appear to cause more depression than other treatments.
- Physicians can consider reserpine and beta-blockers without undue concern for increased depression risk.