[The role of depression in rehabilitation of geriatric patients with hip fracture].

The effect of depression on the rehabilitation course of 64 geriatric inpatients with hip fracture was examined. At the beginning of treatment 38.5% had a depressive disorder according to GDS-15. After 3 weeks it was still 32%, although in 7 patients the GDS-score had decreased. Additionally, 18% had a cognitive disorder (MMSE<24). There was a correlation between depression and Barthel-Index at the start of treatment (58.4; SD 14.7 vs 48.3; SD 21.8; ANOVA; p<0.01), Barthel-Index at discharge (86.1; SD 13.1 vs 75.0; SD 25.11; ANOVA; p<0.01), mobility measured by timed "Up and Go" (Chi(2); p<0.01) and the number of prescribed drugs, as equivalent for severity of somatic diseases. Treatment of depression was inadequate in the beginning and at follow-up. Treated patients had a better outcome than untreated.