Asociation between depression and hypertensive disorders during pregnancy: An integrative review

The etiology of hypertension, especially in pregnancy, is various and complex, involving both genetic and psychological factors. The aim of this study was to investigate the association between depression and hypertensive disorders in pregnancy. Its original contribution is to broadly address these types of hypertensive disorders. We conducted an integrative literature review and identified relevant studies from four databases, including MEDLINE, LILACS, SciELO and EMBASE. Qualitative and original studies in English, Spanish and Portuguese (Brazilian) published between the years of 2005-2016 were included. Studies were selected by titles, abstracts and full texts, and its quality was evaluated by three researchers independently. Data showed that depression was associated to hypertensive disorders in pregnancy. Women with severe depressive symptoms have higher risk to develop preeclampsia. The use of antidepressants also showed a large association to the hypertensive disorders in pregnancy. Conclusion: Current evidence indicates association between depression and hypertensive disorders in pregnancy. Physical care and mental health care of women is essential for a physiological and safe pregnancy