Increased Odds of Cognitive Impairment in Adults with Depressive Symptoms and Antidepressant Use

The relationship between antidepressant use and class with cognition in depression is unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the association of cognition with depressive symptoms and antidepressant use (class, duration, number).

Data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey were examined for cognitive function through various tests and memory issues through the Medical Conditions questionnaire. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the Patient Health Questionnaire-9.

A total of 2867 participants were included. Participants with depressive symptoms had significantly higher odds of cognitive impairment (CI) on the animal fluency test (aOR=1.89, 95% CI=1.30, 2.73, P=0.002) and Digit Symbol Substitution test (aOR=2.58, 95% CI=1.34, 4.9, P=0.007), as well as subjective memory issues (aOR=7.25, 95% CI=4.26, 12.32, P<0.001) than those without depression. There were no statistically significant associations between any of the CI categories and depressive symptoms treated with an antidepressant and antidepressant use duration. Participants who were using more than one antidepressant had significantly higher odds of subjective memory issues than those who were using one antidepressant. Specifically, users of atypical antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) had significantly higher odds of subjective memory issues in comparison to no antidepressants, with TCAs showing the largest odds (aOR=4.21, 95% CI=1.19, 14.86, P=0.028).

This study highlights the relationship between depressive symptoms, antidepressant use, and CI. Future studies should further evaluate the mechanism underlying this phenomenon.