Depression associated with antihypertensive drugs.
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 466 patients receiving: (1) no drug therapy, (2) diuretics only, (3) diuretics plus reserpine, and (4) 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 greater than or equal to 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.
Section of Hypertension, Medical College of Georgia, Augusta 30912-3150.
L M
LM
Prisant
W J
WJ
Spruill
J E
JE
Fincham
W E
WE
Wade
A A
AA
Carr
M A
MA
Adams
D000293:Adolescent; D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists / Q000009:adverse effects; D000328:Adult; D001741:Black or African American; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003863:Depression / Q000139:chemically induced*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D012110:Reserpine / Q000009:adverse effects; D044465:White People
D000319:Adrenergic beta-Antagonists; D000959:Antihypertensive Agents; D012110:Reserpine