Ramin Mojtabai1, Mark Olfson. 1. Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University, New York, NY, USA. rm322@columbia.edu
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Although major depression is a common condition across the age range, there is some evidence from clinical studies that it may be more persistent and disabling in older adults. This study examined the demographic, socio-economic and clinical factors associated with major depression and with persistence of depressive symptoms at 2- and 4-year follow-ups in a large population sample of middle-aged and older adults. METHOD: In a sample of 9747 participants aged over 50 in the 1996 wave of the US Health and Retirement Study, the authors assessed the 12-month prevalence of major depression using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview-Short Form (CIDI-SF). Significant depressive symptoms at the time of 1996, 1998 and 2000 interviews were assessed using a short form of the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). RESULTS: The 12-month prevalence of CIDI-SF major depression was 6.6%. With age, prevalence declined, but the likelihood of significant depressive symptoms at follow-ups increased. Both prevalence and persistence of significant depressive symptoms at follow-ups were associated with socio-economic disadvantage and physical illness. Persistence of depressive symptoms at follow-ups was also associated with symptoms of anhedonia, feelings of worthlessness, and thoughts of death at baseline. CONCLUSIONS: Sociodemographic, physical health and a specific profile of depressive symptoms are associated with a poorer course of major depression in the middle-aged and older adults. These indicators may identify a subgroup of patients in need of more careful follow-up and intensive treatment.
BACKGROUND: Although major depression is a common condition across the age range, there is some evidence from clinical studies that it may be more persistent and disabling in older adults. This study examined the demographic, socio-economic and clinical factors associated with major depression and with persistence of depressive symptoms at 2- and 4-year follow-ups in a large population sample of middle-aged and older adults. METHOD: In a sample of 9747 participants aged over 50 in the 1996 wave of the US Health and Retirement Study, the authors assessed the 12-month prevalence of major depression using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview-Short Form (CIDI-SF). Significant depressive symptoms at the time of 1996, 1998 and 2000 interviews were assessed using a short form of the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). RESULTS: The 12-month prevalence of CIDI-SF major depression was 6.6%. With age, prevalence declined, but the likelihood of significant depressive symptoms at follow-ups increased. Both prevalence and persistence of significant depressive symptoms at follow-ups were associated with socio-economic disadvantage and physical illness. Persistence of depressive symptoms at follow-ups was also associated with symptoms of anhedonia, feelings of worthlessness, and thoughts of death at baseline. CONCLUSIONS: Sociodemographic, physical health and a specific profile of depressive symptoms are associated with a poorer course of major depression in the middle-aged and older adults. These indicators may identify a subgroup of patients in need of more careful follow-up and intensive treatment.
Authors: Ingo Uttner; Niklas Schurig; Christine A F von Arnim; Christian Lange-Asschenfeldt; Hayrettin Tumani; Matthias W Riepe Journal: J Neurol Date: 2010-06-11 Impact factor: 4.849
Authors: Adam P Spira; George W Rebok; Katie L Stone; Joel H Kramer; Kristine Yaffe Journal: Am J Geriatr Psychiatry Date: 2012-12 Impact factor: 4.105
Authors: David C Steffens; Gwenith G Fisher; Kenneth M Langa; Guy G Potter; Brenda L Plassman Journal: Int Psychogeriatr Date: 2009-06-12 Impact factor: 3.878
Authors: Layla J Bunjo; Amy C Reynolds; Sarah L Appleton; Jill Dorrian; Céline Vetter; Tiffany K Gill; Robert J Adams Journal: Int J Behav Med Date: 2021-02