Abstract
Hypertension is the biggest and most prevalent risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Depression is the most common psychiatric illness worldwide. Many studies have linked the development of new depression to the use of antihypertensive drugs. This meta-analysis was done to ascertain the relationship. Using standard reporting techniques a literature search was undertaken in Pubmed from inception till 10 May 2024. The risk bias assessment was done using the ROBINS-I tool. Data for the odds ratio were combined using Revman 5.4 using a random or fixed effects model. Our analysis found a significant association between beta blockers and calcium channel blockers use and the risk of developing new depression. Results for other classes of antihypertensives were not significant. The findings highlight the importance of taking into account the potential psychiatric side effects of antihypertensive drugs in people with hypertension. Physicians should stay vigilant and screen their patients for these conditions regularly.
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Fig. 1
Fig. 2: Risk of Bias Table.
Fig. 3
Fig. 4: Forest plot showing the association of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme Inhibitors/ Angiotensin II Receptor Blockers use and the odds ratio developing of depression.
Fig. 5: Forest plot showing the association of Beta-Blockers use and the odds ratio developing of depression.
Fig. 6: Forest plot showing the association of Calcium Channel Blockers use and the odds ratio developing of depression.
Fig. 7: Forest plot showing the association of Diuretics use and the odds ratio developing of depression.
Fig. 8: Forest plot showing the association of Antihypertensives use and the odds ratio developing of depression.
Data availability
The search strategy can be found in Supplementary File 1. All other data can be obtained from the corresponding author upon reasonable request.
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Author notes
These authors contributed equally: Jay Tewari, Khalid Ahmad Qidwai, Ajoy Tewari.
Authors and Affiliations
Department of Internal Medicine, King George’s Medical University, Lucknow, India
Jay Tewari, Khalid Ahmad Qidwai, Anadika Rana & Vanshika Singh
Department of Internal Medicine, HIND Institute of Medical Sciences, Barabanki, India
Ajoy Tewari & Anuj Maheshwari
Department of Anatomy, Era’s Lucknow Medical College & Hospital, Lucknow, India
Vineeta Tewari
Department of Psychiatry King George’s Medical University, Lucknow, India
Rishabh Tiwari
Dean, Hind Institute of Medical Sciences, Ataria, India
Narsingh Verma
Department of Internal Medicine, Integral Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, Lucknow, India
Hemali Jha
Himalayan Institute of Medical Sciences, Jollygrant, Dehradun, India
Savneet Kaur
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Jay Tewari
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Contributions
This research project involved multiple contributors, each playing significant roles across various stages of the study. Jay Tewari, Khalid Ahmad Qidwai, Anadika Rana, Prof. Vineeta Tewari, Dr. Ajoy Tewari, Vanshika Singh, Rishabh Tiwari, Prof. Anuj Maheshwari, Prof. Narsingh Verma, Dr. Himali Jha, and Savneet Kaur were involved in conceptualizing and designing the study. In the literature search phase, all contributors except for Dr. Himali Jha and Savneet Kaur participated. The definition of intellectual content was primarily done by Jay Tewari, Prof. Vineeta Tewari, Dr. Ajoy Tewari, Prof. Anuj Maheshwari, and Prof. Narsingh Verma. The analysis and interpretation of results were performed by all the contributors. Manuscript writing was carried out by Jay Tewari, Khalid Ahmad Qidwai, and Anadika Rana, with support from Dr. Himali Jha and Savneet Kaur. Critical appraisal of the manuscript was undertaken by Prof. Vineeta Tewari, Dr. Ajoy Tewari, Vanshika Singh, Prof. Anuj Maheshwari, and Prof. Narsingh Verma. Finally, all contributors held accountability for the manuscript, ensuring the integrity and accuracy of the research findings.
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Correspondence to Khalid Ahmad Qidwai.
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Tewari, J., Qidwai, K.A., Tewari, A. et al. Association between antihypertensive drug use and the risk of depression: a systematic review and network meta-analysis. J Hum Hypertens (2025). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41371-025-01011-x
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Received:28 July 2024
Revised:09 March 2025
Accepted:18 March 2025
Published:29 March 2025
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41371-025-01011-x
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