There are indications of a correlation between vascular calcification and low mood. Patients, who are suffering depressions, turn out to be also often suffering from vascular calcification (arteriosclerosis) and vice versa. The BiDirect study has been started to research on the reasons of these correlations and like this to lay the foundations for an improved and early diagnosis and therapy of both diseases.

The study is carried out in cooperation with the Clinic for Psychiatry and Psychotherapy, the Clinic for General Neurology and the Institute for Clinical Radiology (all part of the university hospital of Münster). The major project is supported by the Bundesministerium für Bildung und Forschung (BMBF).

From April 2010 until July 2013 2300 people have participated in the first study (Baseline).Currently, the probands are participating in the 2. follow-up examination, during which everyone is again interviewed regarding their recent and current state of health. The study procedure lasts around 3.5 hours.