Abstract

Background: Despite the rise in medical disorders such as hypertension, diabetes, and cardiovascular disorders along with the high rates of psychological ailments such as depression and anxiety among the general population, only few studies have been conducted in India to assess the occurrence of depression among hypertensive patients attending medical outpatient care.Objectives: This study is being done to study the prevalence of undiagnosed depression in hypertensive cases.
Materials and Methods: The study was based on a cross-sectional study design, with a sample of 100 hypertensive patients attending general medicine outpatient department at a tertiary care center. Blood pressure (BP) readings were conducted using a mercury column sphygmomanometer. The BP readings were taken in a sitting position with the patient’s arm positioned roughly at the level of their heart. Normal BP is defined as <120/<80 mm Hg, elevated BP 120–129/<80 mm Hg, hypertension stage 1 is 130–139 or 80–89 mm Hg, and hypertension stage 2 is ≥140 or ≥90 mm Hg. Participants were then assessed using a pro forma to elicit sociodemographic details an Hamilton depression rating scale.
Results: Out of the 100 participants, 37% had elevated BP, 28% and 35% had Stage 1 and Stage 2 hypertension, respectively. Prevalence of depression was 40%. 18 participants had mild depression, 13 had moderate, and 9 had severe depression.
Conclusions: The prevalence of undiagnosed depression in hypertensive patients was 40% which is extremely high when compared to the prevalence of depression in the general population. The underlying causes of depression need to be addressed, and community programs need to be initiated to raise awareness regarding long-term complications of untreated depression.