Abstract
In this study we conducted a resurvey at 33 months of elderly general medical clinic outpatients previously classified as depressed or not using the Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale. Resurvey results and review of medical records permitted characterization of the point prevalences of depression at the time of the initial and follow-up surveys, and identification of physical illness factors associated with depression. The point prevalences of depression were approximately equal (20%), although only about 10% were depressed at both occasions. Among the initially nondepressed, the number of new physical diagnoses during follow-up was the best predictor of depression at retest. Other factors associated with depression at one or both occasions were: alcohol abuse, obstructive pulmonary disease, and a relatively greater number of medical diagnoses. Thus, among elderly outpatients, depression appears common with roughly equal rates of remission and incidence; also, new medical illness may precipitate depression.
Original language | English (US) |
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Pages (from-to) | 153-162 |
Number of pages | 10 |
Journal | Journal of Affective Disorders |
Volume | 10 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 1986 |
Bibliographical note
Funding Information:Supported in part by the Northwest HSR&D Field Program. Seattle VA Medical Center, Seattle, WA. U.S.A.
Keywords
- Depression
- Elderly
- Epidemiology
- Physical illness