Multimorbidity and Depression: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis

Abstract Background Multimorbidity, the presence of two or more chronic conditions, is increasingly common and complicates the assessment and management of depression. The aim was to investigate the relationship between multimorbidity and depression. Method A systematic literature search was conducted using the databases; PsychINFO, Medline, Embase, CINAHL and Cochrane Central. Results were meta-analyzed to determine risk for a depressive disorder or depressive symptoms in people with multimorbidity. Results Forty articles were identified as eligible (n=381527). The risk for depressive disorder was twice as great for people with multimorbidity compared to those without multimorbidity [RR: 2.13 (95% CI 1.62 to 2.80) p