Vascular depression for radiology: A review of the construct, methodology, and diagnosis

Table 2 Primary and secondary features of vascular depression

Primary features
Neuroimaging findings consistent with cerebrovascular disease including MRI findings of white matter hyperintensities
Presence of cerebrovascular risk factors
Cognitive impairment, particularly in areas of processing speed and/or executive functioning
Secondary features
Age > 50
Poor antidepressant treatment response
Psychomotor retardation
Marked disability in activities of daily living
Lower rate of family history of mood disorders

Vascular depression is defined as significant depressive symptomatology occurring in the presence of cerebrovascular disease as evidenced above. MRI: Magnetic resonance imaging.