The external validity of MRI-defined vascular depression.

Objective: Multiple diagnostic criteria have been used to define vascular depression (VD). As a result, there are discrepancies in the clinical characteristics that have been established for the illness. The aim of this study was twofold.

MRI-defined vascular depression: a review of the construct.

Objective: To review the construct of MRI-defined vascular depression and to examine the substantive and methodological issues that bear on its validity as a distinct subtype of depression in late life.

Design: Literature review.

Results: We identified three areas that are critical to establishing the validity of MRI-defined vascular depression: (1) understanding and delineating the relationship between MRI hyperintensities, executive dysfunction, and antidepressant treatment outcome; (2) understanding the relationship between, and establishing the validity of, qualitative and quantitative approaches to the measurement of MRI hyperintensities (the primary feature of the proposed subtype); (3) establishing the clinical presentation and course of the subtype in the context of other late-life disorders.