Data were drawn from the Whitehall II study with baseline examination in 1991; follow-up screenings in 1997, 2003, and 2008; and additional disease ascertainment from hospital data and registry linkage on 5318 participants (mean age 54.8 years, 31% women) without depressive symptoms at baseline. Vascular risk was assessed with the Framingham Cardiovascular, Coronary Heart Disease, and Stroke Risk Scores. New depressive symptoms at each follow-up screening were identified by General Health Questionnaire caseness, a Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale score ≥16, and use of antidepressant medication.
baseline examination
1991
follow-up screenings
1997, 2003, and 2008
Whitehall II study
5318 participants
participants
5318 participants
mean age
54.8 years
years
5318 participants
women
31%
%
Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale
score
≥16