DEPRESSION IN OLDER MEDICAL INPATIENTS

This cross-sectional survey conducted in a university-affiliated commu nity hospital determines the point prevalence rates and identifies dem ographic, social and clinical correlates of major depressive episodes (MDE) among men and women aged 65-74, 75-84, and 85 and older. Items f rom the Diagnostic Interview Schedule were used to diagnose major depr essive episode (MDE); the Depression Status Inventory and the Depressi on Diagnostic Scale were used to measure its severity. Among 215 newly admitted medical impatients, 100 men and 115 women who were at most m ildly cognitively impaired, the point prevalance rates of MDE were: si milar in the three age groups, 28%, 28% and 24% respectively; over twi ce as high among women as among men aged 65-74 and 75-84; virtually id entical among men and women aged 85 and older. The intensity of the MD Es detected was on average mild. Clinically meaningful statistical ass ociations were observed between certain psychological and clinical cor relates and MDE. The psychological correlates were absence of meaning in life and permorbid personality. The clinical correlates were impair ed ability to perform routine daily activities relating to self-care a nd previous consultation or treatment for an emotional problem. We con trast our results with those of similar surveys, and identify the clin ical and research directions we believe that this and similar work sho uld take.