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 chan nel blockers, and corticosteroids) and self-reported depressive sympto ms. Method: The study utilised a cross-sectional study design in a sam ple of medical inpatients. Results: Associations between self-reported depressive symptoms and exposure to angiotensin converting enzyme inh ibitors or calcium channel blockers were not observed. However, an ass ociation between self-reported depressive symptoms and corticosteroid exposure was identified. The association was strongest in subjects rep orting 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 ps ychosocial stress. Conclusions: Depressive symptoms among medical inpa tients have a biopsychosocial etiology. Corticosteroid exposure may be a biological risk factor for depressive symptoms in this population.