Self-reported depressive symptoms in association with medication exposures among medical inpatients: a cross-sectional study.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate associations between exposure to three classes of medications (angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, and corticosteroids) and self-reported depressive symptoms.


METHODS
The study utilised a cross-sectional study design in a sample of medical inpatients.


RESULTS
Associations between self-reported depressive symptoms and exposure to angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors or calcium channel blockers were not observed. However, an association between self-reported depressive symptoms and corticosteroid exposure was identified. The association was strongest in subjects reporting a past history of depression or a family history of depression. The strength of the corticosteroid-depressive symptom association was comparable with that of associations observed for age, poverty and psychosocial stress.


CONCLUSIONS
Depressive symptoms among medical inpatients have a biopsychosocial etiology. Corticosteroid exposure may be a biological risk factor for depressive symptoms in this population.
Patten
S B
SB
Department of Psychiatry, Faculty of Medicine, University of Calgary, Alberta.
Williams
J V
JV
Love
E J
EJ
D000293:Adolescent; D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003863:Depression / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000235:genetics / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010348:Patient Care Team; D010552:Personality Assessment; D012307:Risk Factors; D012803:Sick Role; D012959:Socioeconomic Factors; D013315:Stress, Psychological / Q000150:complications
D000305:Adrenal Cortex Hormones; D000806:Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors; D002121:Calcium Channel Blockers