Predictors of depression in geriatric medically ill inpatients

Objective: Depression in medically ill inpatients has been associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this study was to identif y variables that would successfully predict depression in this population. Methods: The sample consisted of 314 male, medically ill veterans, age 60 a nd older, admitted to the acute medical service at Baltimore Veteran Admini stration Medical Center. Sixty of 314 patients met criteria for Major Depre ssion and scored I I or higher on the Geriatric Depression Scale. Variables assessing age, race, social support, severity of illness, degree of functi onal disability, life satisfaction, and hopelessness were included in a log istic regression analysis as predictors of depression. Results: The variabl es that significantly predicted depression were derived from the Beck Hopel essness Scale, Life Satisfaction Score, and the Cumulative Illness Rating S core. Conclusions: The results indicated that medically ill inpatients who feel hopeless about the future, feel the best years of their lives are behi nd them, and have serious medical problems are likely to be clinically depr essed.