Depressive symptoms, antidepressant use, and hypertension in young adulthood

Citation

Crookes, Danielle M.; Demmer, Ryan T.; Keyes, Katherine M.; Koenen, Karestan C.; & Suglia, Shakira F. (2018). Depressive symptoms, antidepressant use, and hypertension in young adulthood. Epidemiology. vol. 29 (4) pp. 547-555

Abstract

Background Among adults, depressive symptoms are associated with higher rates of cardiovascular disease; however, the evidence is mixed regarding the association between depressive symptoms and hypertension, especially among young adults. The deleterious effects of some antidepressant medications on blood pressure may contribute to mixed findings. Methods Adolescents enrolled in Add Health (N=11,183) (1994-2008) completed an abbreviated Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale at three waves (mean ages 16, 22, and 29). Antidepressant use was measured at age 22 and at age 29. Hypertension at age 29 was defined as measured systolic blood pressure of 140mmHg or greater, diastolic blood pressure of 90mmHg or greater, or staff-inventoried anti-hypertensive medication use. Results The prevalence of hypertension at age 29 was 20%. High depressive symptoms in adolescence or young adulthood were not associated with hypertension in young adulthood. Antidepressant use at age 29 was associated with increased prevalence of hypertension (Prevalence ratio (PR): 1.4, 95% CI: 1.2, 1.7) and an interaction with sex was observed (PRMen: 1.6, 95% CI: 1.2, 2.0; PRWomen: 1.2, 95% CI: 0.89, 1.6, pinteraction = 0.0227). Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and non-SSRI antidepressant use were associated with hypertension (PRSSRI: 1.3, 95% CI: 1.0, 1.6; PRnon-SSRI: 1.6, 95% CI: 1.2, 2.1). Conclusions In this sample, antidepressant use, but not depressive symptoms, was associated with hypertension in young adulthood. Further research is recommended to examine joint and independent relationships of depression and antidepressant use and hypertension among young adults.

URL

https://doi.org/10.1097/EDE.0000000000000840

Keyword(s)

adolescents antidepressants depressive symptoms hypertension young adults

Reference Type

Journal Article

Journal Title

Epidemiology

Author(s)

Crookes, Danielle M.
Demmer, Ryan T.
Keyes, Katherine M.
Koenen, Karestan C.
Suglia, Shakira F.

Year Published

2018

Volume Number

29

Issue Number

4

Pages

547-555

Edition

April 6, 2018

ISSN/ISBN

1044-3983

DOI

10.1097/ede.0000000000000840

Reference ID

6850