Related Experiment Video

Updated: Aug 15, 2025

An Unpredictable Chronic Mild Stress Protocol for Instigating Depressive Symptoms, Behavioral Changes and Negative Health Outcomes in Rodents
06:55

An Unpredictable Chronic Mild Stress Protocol for Instigating Depressive Symptoms, Behavioral Changes and Negative Health Outcomes in Rodents

Published on: December 2, 2015

22.6K

Hypertension and depression among medical students: is there an association?

Hussein Alhawari1, Sameeha AlShelleh1, Hussam Alhawari1

  • 1Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, The University of Jordan, Amman, Jordan.

Heliyon
|December 30, 2022
PubMed

Insights

This study found a high prevalence of hypertension and depression among medical students. Higher depression scores were associated with increased diastolic blood pressure, highlighting the need for integrated screening.

Area of Science:

  • Medical Science
  • Psychiatry
  • Cardiology

Background:

  • Hypertension and depression are prevalent conditions among medical students.
  • A bidirectional relationship exists between depression and hypertension.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess the frequency of hypertension and depression in a sample of medical students.
  • To investigate the impact of depression on hypertension in this population.

Main Methods:

  • Recruited medical students from Jordan's largest medical school.
  • Measured blood pressure and heart rate under standardized conditions.
  • Administered the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) for depression screening.

Main Results:

  • 354 medical students participated, with a mean age of 21.
  • Significant prevalence of hypertension (stage 1 and 2) observed in both females (25.5%) and males (44.9%).
  • A notable percentage of students (12.1%) exhibited moderately severe to severe depression, with an association found between higher depression scores and elevated diastolic blood pressure.

Conclusions:

  • The study identified a high frequency of both hypertension and depression among medical students.
  • An association between increased depression scores and higher diastolic blood pressure was confirmed.
  • Recommendations include screening hypertensive patients for depression and vice versa, and implementing general screening programs for both conditions.
Abstract

Keywords:
Blood pressureDepressionHypertension

More Related Videos

Author Spotlight: Unveiling the Connection Between Sleep Disorders and Cognitive Symptoms in Depression04:33

Author Spotlight: Unveiling the Connection Between Sleep Disorders and Cognitive Symptoms in Depression

Published on: April 26, 2024

763
A New Method for Inducing a Depression-Like Behavior in Rats07:57

A New Method for Inducing a Depression-Like Behavior in Rats

Published on: February 22, 2018

21.1K

Related Concept Videos

Factors affecting Blood pressure01:28

Factors affecting Blood pressure

Several physiological and lifestyle factors influence blood pressure (BP). Understanding these factors is crucial as they are significant in patient education and blood pressure management.
Physiological Factors:
3.4K
Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies01:30

Hypertension III: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies

Hypertension is asymptomatic and also referred to as the "silent killer" until it progresses to a severe stage or causes target organ disease. Patients may experience symptoms stemming from the strain on blood vessels and tissues in various organs or the heart's increased workload.Physical exams might show no abnormalities other than high blood pressure. Signs of vascular damage, when present, correspond to the organs supplied by the affected vessels, leading to target organ damage. For...
36
Stress and Mental Health01:30

Stress and Mental Health

Chronic stress profoundly affects mental health, significantly influencing mood, behavior, and overall quality of life. Research closely links chronic stress with mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders. Ongoing exposure to stress can lead to physiological and psychological changes, initiating a cycle of emotional distress and maladaptive coping mechanisms.
Individuals with depression often experience challenges in both their personal and professional...
195
Hypertension I: Introduction01:28

Hypertension I: Introduction

Hypertension is a widespread, long-term medical condition where blood pressure in the arteries remains elevated. It is characterized by systolic blood pressure readings of 130 mm Hg or above or diastolic blood pressure (DBP) readings of 80 mm Hg or higher. Unmanaged hypertension poses significant health risks, making the distinction between primary (or essential) hypertension and secondary hypertension crucial, as their management and implications vary.Primary HypertensionPrimary hypertension,...
38
Hypertension II: Pathophysiology01:29

Hypertension II: Pathophysiology

Hypertension is a chronic condition in which the blood's force against artery walls is excessively high, posing risks such as heart disease. The condition's underlying mechanisms involve complex interactions among the cardiovascular, kidney, and autonomic nervous systems.Renin-Angiotensin-Aldosterone System (RAAS): This system significantly influences blood pressure regulation. When blood pressure decreases, the kidneys secrete renin. This enzyme transforms angiotensinogen, a plasma protein,...
34
Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure01:18

Hypertension and Regulation of Blood Pressure

Hypertension, the most common cardiovascular disease, is diagnosed through repeated measurements of elevated blood pressure. Its risks, including damage to the kidney, heart, and brain, are directly proportional to blood pressure levels. Starting from 115/75 mm Hg, the risk of cardiovascular disease doubles with each increment of 20/10 mm Hg. The diagnosis relies on blood pressure measurements, not on patient symptoms, as hypertension is often asymptomatic until end-organ damage is imminent or...
2.2K