PREVALENCE OF GERIATRIC DEPRESSIVE-DISORD ERS - A DOOR-TO-DOOR SURVEYIN POLLENA, NAPLES PROVINCE, ITALY

Results of a door-to-door survey aimed at determining the prevalence o f geriatric depression in subjects aged 60 years or older residing in the historical center of Pollena, Naples Province, Southern Italy, are presented. Eligible subjects (phase I) with a score greater than 14 o n the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) developed by Brink and Yesavage were examined using a standardized diagnostic protocol (phase II), Fi ndings support a high prevalence of depression among the elderly, The methodology used for this survey was effective regarding case ascertai nment, in particular because it identified atypical and mild depressio n and depression accompanying organic disease, which together contribu ted the largest number of cases, especially among the oldest subjects.