Depression is more likely to happen shortly after a CVA (stroke). The location of the lesion in the brain is strongly linked to the risk of depression. Left frontal strokes pose the greatest risk, while right frontal lesions have the least risk. However, a lack of association between the location of the brain lesion and the side of the brain it occurred on with depression that happens 2 to 6 months after a stroke suggests that later onset may be caused by different things, such as a major depressive disorder, adjustment disorder, or feeling demoralized.

Parkinson's disease and traumatic brain injury (TBI) can also increase the risk of depression. In Parkinson's disease, early onset, severe motor symptoms, and longer disease duration are associated with depression.

In TBI, depression is more likely in women with prior history of depression, early psychiatric symptoms following the injury, lower brain volume, and unemployment.