Context: Hypertension is a multifactorial disease and is a leading cause of cardiovascular morbidity. Depression is the most common psychiatric disorder in practice. Different studies have contradictory opinions about effect of depression on blood pressure. So, this study was planned to assess the association of depression scores and 24 hours ambulatory BP parameters. Aims: 1. To compare Beck’s depression score with day and night blood pressure load. 2. To compare Beck’s depression score in dippers and non­dippers. Methods and Material: The study included 60 healthy young adults of age between 20 to 35 years. Their day & night BP load and dipper state was assessed by 24 hours Ambulatory blood pressure measurement done by Contec Ambulatory Blood Pressure Monitor. Beck’s Depression Inventory­II (BDI­II) was used to calculate the depression scores in them. Independent T test was used to compare the depression scores and dipper state & BP load. Results: The mean BDI II scores of non­dippers were significantly higher than dippers [10.11±4.22 vs 6.14±4.21; p = 0.02]. Similarly, the mean BDI II scores of subjects with increased systolic day and night BP load were significantly higher than normal BP load [13.0±3.39 vs 6.2±3.86; p< 0.01 for day] and [12.0±3.85 vs 6.17±3.95; p< 0.01 for night]. Conclusions: As subjects with higher systolic BP load had more depression scores and also depression scores were higher in non­dippers. So, depression can lead to future cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. 

Keywords: Beck’s Depression Score; Dipper State; BP Load.