Factors predicting the relapse of depression in old age

Background. Studies in mixed-aged populations show differences between the predictors of a relapse and those of a long-term course of depression, supp orting the hypothesis about similar differences among the aged. Aim. The aim was to identify the factors predicting or related to a relapse of depression among the Finnish. elderly having recovered from depression during treatment. Material and methods. The population consisted of 70 depressed (DSM-III cri teria) elderly (60 yr-) Finns having recovered from depression during treat ment as determined 15 months after baseline. By the 4-year follow-up after the recovery, 20 patients had relapsed and 50 persons were non-depressed. Results. The logistic regression model showed major depression and psychomo tor retardation to be independent predictors. Relapses were not related to stressors in life or physical illnesses occurring during the follow-up. Conclusions. Major depressive elderly patients have a high risk for relapse s without the occurrence of the stressors or physical illnesses. In clinica l practice, major depressive elderly patients should be followed up in orde r to detect and treat potential relapses as early as possible. Cooperation between psychiatrists and general practitioners is needed in the follow-up. Theoretically, the results suggest the assumption of a biochemical aetiolo gy of major depression. Copyright (C) 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.