Prevalence and risk factors for depressive symptoms in patients with neovascular age‐related macular degeneration who present for anti‐VEGF therapy.

Purpose: To examine the prevalence and risk factors for depressive symptoms in patients with neovascular age‐related macular degeneration (nAMD) presenting for anti‐vascular endothelial growth factor (anti‐VEGF) therapy. Methods: In a clinic‐based cohort of 547 patients with nAMD who presented for treatment, the Centre of Epidemiological Studies Depression 10‐point scale (CES‐D‐10) and Mental Health Index (MHI) component of the 36‐item Short Form Survey were administered to assess for the presence of depressive symptoms. Logistic regression analyses were used to calculate odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals for factors associated with an increased likelihood of depressive symptoms. Results: The prevalence of depressive symptoms was 42.04% and 31.78% as per the CES‐D‐10 and MHI scales, respectively. Poor self‐rated health (SRH) is associated with increased odds of depressive symptoms [multivariable‐adjusted OR: 3.00 (95% CI 1.90–4.73) for CES‐D‐10; OR: 2.67 (95% CI 1.67–4.28) for MHI]. Impaired activities of daily living (ADLs) [multivariable‐adjusted OR: 2.62 (95% CI 1.56–4.38) for CES‐D‐10; OR: 3.59 (95% CI 2.10–6.15) for MHI] and a visual function score within the two lowest quartiles were also associated with increased odds of depressive symptoms using both scales. Conclusion: A high prevalence of depressive symptoms was observed among nAMD patients presenting for treatment. Poorer SRH, ADL impairment and reduced visual function were associated with increased odds of depressive symptoms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]