DEPRESSION IN OLD-AGE - RESULTS FROM THE BERLIN AGING STUDY

In the Berlin Aging Study (BASE) an age and gender stratified sample o f 516 persons aged 70 to over 100 was assessed by means of the semi-st ructured GMS-A interview the CES-D-self-rating scale and the Hamiltion -Depression-observer-rating scale. Prevalence rates were 4,8% for Majo r Depression, 9,1% for all DSM III-R specified depressive disorders an d 26,9% of subthreshold depression was included. There was no increase in prevalence rates with age but an increase in scores on the self ra ting CES-D. The prevalence rates for DSM III-R specified depression in females was 10,3% and almost double that of men (5,6%). Depressed per sons do not show significant cognitive impairment as measured with the MMSE in comparison to controls. As compared to the total sample highe r prevalence rates of overall depression were seen in persons with mul timorbidity (36,8%) and lower rates in married persons. 13,2% of the e lderly talked about feeling tired with life, 7,9% had thoughts about d eath and 1,2% reported suicidal ideation, which was closely linked to depressive disorders,ln 44% of depressed cases undertreatment was obse rved. Only 6% got Antidepressants but 40% benzodiazepines.