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Stroke, vascular risk factors and depression

Cross-sectional study in a UK Caribbean-born population

Section of Old Age Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, London

M. RICHARDS, PhD

Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, University College London

C. BRAYNE, MD

Department of Public Health and Primary Care, Institute of Public Health, University of Cambridge

Correspondence: Dr R. Stewart, Section of Old Age Psychiatry, Institute of Psychiatry, De Crespigny Park, Denmark Hill, London SE5 8AF, UK. Tel: 020 7848 0240; fax: 020 7701 0167

Declaration of interest This study was funded by a grant from the Wellcome Trust. R.S. is supported by a Research Training Fellowship from the Wellcome Trust.

Background Stroke, hypertension and diabetes are common in older Caribbean-born populations in the UK who may be at risk of depression secondary to vascular disease.

Aims We examined the association between stroke, vascular risk factors and depression in a community-based Caribbean-born population aged 55-75 years.

Method Vascular risk factors were identified by interview, examination and blood tests. Depression was categorised using the Geriatric Depression Scale. Disablement was assessed as a potential mediating factor.

Results Physical illness and disablement were strongly associated with depression, independent of disablement. Previous stroke was associated with depression, independent of disablement. No vascular risk factors were associated with depression.

Conclusions The risk of depression associated with stroke was not explained by disablement. However, the hypothesis that vascular risk factors are important in the genesis of depression was not supported.

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