Leukoencephalopathy and major depression: a preliminary report

• Published in: Psychiatry research Vol. 45; no. 3; p. 169
• Main Authors: Guze, B H, Szuba, M P
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Ireland 01-11-1992
• Subjects: Adult; Aged; Atrophy; Brain - pathology; Depressive Disorder - diagnosis; Female; Humans; Leukoencephalopathy, Progressive Multifocal - diagnosis; Magnetic Resonance Imaging; Male; Neurocognitive Disorders - diagnosis
• ISSN: 0165-1781
• DOI: 10.1016/0925-4927(92)90024-X

The comparative prevalence of leukoencephalopathic changes in 119 young and old inpatients and outpatients with major depression was examined. Patients underwent magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) examinations with T1- and T2-weighted pulse sequences. Leukoencephalopathic changes were uncommon in depressed patients and medical control subjects younger than 45 years of age. Such changes were, however, seen in approximately 44% of older depressed patients and 30% of elderly medical control subjects.