Lydia W Li1, Yeates Conwell. 1. University of Michigan School of Social Work, 1080 S. University Avenue, Ann Arbor, MI 48109-1106, USA. lydiali@umich.edu
Abstract
PURPOSE: This study describes the mental health status of community-living frail elders in Michigan and identifies subgroups of individuals who are vulnerable to mental health problems. DESIGN AND METHODS: We analyzed the baseline assessment data collected from older adults who were admitted to two community-based long-term-care programs in Michigan (N = 18,939). RESULTS: Results show that 40.5% of the individuals in the sample have recognized mental disorders, 39.6% use psychotropic medications, 24.5% have probable depression, and 1.4% have self-injury thoughts or attempts. Frail elders who are White, younger, and female - as well as those who experience more pain, disease burden, cognitive impairment, and limitations in instrumental activities of daily living - are more prone to psychological distress. IMPLICATIONS: Mental health care is greatly needed by community-living frail elders.
PURPOSE: This study describes the mental health status of community-living frail elders in Michigan and identifies subgroups of individuals who are vulnerable to mental health problems. DESIGN AND METHODS: We analyzed the baseline assessment data collected from older adults who were admitted to two community-based long-term-care programs in Michigan (N = 18,939). RESULTS: Results show that 40.5% of the individuals in the sample have recognized mental disorders, 39.6% use psychotropic medications, 24.5% have probable depression, and 1.4% have self-injury thoughts or attempts. Frail elders who are White, younger, and female - as well as those who experience more pain, disease burden, cognitive impairment, and limitations in instrumental activities of daily living - are more prone to psychological distress. IMPLICATIONS: Mental health care is greatly needed by community-living frail elders.
Authors: Jeffrey M Lyness; Aurelian Niculescu; Xin Tu; Charles F Reynolds; Eric D Caine Journal: Psychosomatics Date: 2006 Sep-Oct Impact factor: 2.386
Authors: Martha L Bruce; Gail J McAvay; Patrick J Raue; Ellen L Brown; Barnett S Meyers; Denis J Keohane; David R Jagoda; Carol Weber Journal: Am J Psychiatry Date: 2002-08 Impact factor: 18.112