IngentaConnect Prevalence and predictors of depression in populations of elderly...

Author: Djernes, J. K.

Source: Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica, Volume 113, Number 5, May 2006 , pp. 372-387(16)

Abstract:

Djernes JK. Prevalence and predictors of depression in populations of elderly: a review. Objective:

To offer an update on prevalence and predictors of old age depression in populations of elderly Caucasians. Method:

The databases MEDLINE and Psychinfo were searched and relevant literature from 1993 onwards was reviewed. Results:

The prevalence of major depression ranges from 0.9% to 9.4% in private households, from 14% to 42% in institutional living, and from 1% to 16% among elderly living in private households or in institutions; and clinically relevant depressive symptom `cases' in similar settings vary between 7.2% and 49%. The main predictors of depressive disorders and depressive symptom cases are: female gender, somatic illness, cognitive impairment, functional impairment, lack or loss of close social contacts, and a history of depression. Conclusion:

Depression is frequent in populations of elderly. Methodological differences between the studies hinder consistent conclusions about geographical and cross-cultural variations in prevalence and predictors of depression. Improved comparability will provide a basis for consistent conclusions.

Keywords: depression; prevalence; aged; predictors; epidemiology; community; residential facilities

Document Type: Research article

DOI: 10.1111/j.1600-0447.2006.00770.x

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