PURPOSE: To examine whether optimism/pessimism reliably predicts depression and whether such function is stable also in older age. METHOD: In a prospective study, we observed a representative sample of n = 4,046 primary care patients over 5 years. The Life Orientation Test (LOT-R, measuring optimism/pessimism) and the Depression-Screening Questionnaire were applied. Medical diagnoses were recorded by the treating physician in a structured medical interview. RESULTS: Depression could only be predicted by LOT-R scores in younger-age cohorts. In older adults, test stability and predictive accuracy of optimism/pessimism were markedly reduced, while somatic comorbidity gained importance as a predictor. CONCLUSIONS: Predictive value of screening measures for mental disorders may be specific in older age due to lower trait stability and age-specific psychometric limitations as well as age-related changes in relevant predictors.
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PURPOSE: To examine whether optimism/pessimism reliably predicts depression and whether such function is stable also in older age. METHOD: In a prospective study, we observed a representative sample of n = 4,046 primary care patients over 5 years. The Life Orientation Test (LOT-R, measuring optimism/pessimism) and the Depression-Screening Questionnaire were applied. Medical diagnoses were recorded by the treating physician in a structured medical interview. RESULTS:Depression could only be predicted by LOT-R scores in younger-age cohorts. In older adults, test stability and predictive accuracy of optimism/pessimism were markedly reduced, while somatic comorbidity gained importance as a predictor. CONCLUSIONS: Predictive value of screening measures for mental disorders may be specific in older age due to lower trait stability and age-specific psychometric limitations as well as age-related changes in relevant predictors.
Authors: Serena Sabatini; Holly Q Bennett; Anthony Martyr; Rachel Collins; Laura D Gamble; Fiona E Matthews; Claire Pentecost; Eleanor Dawson; Anna Hunt; Sophie Parker; Louise Allan; Alistair Burns; Rachael Litherland; Catherine Quinn; Linda Clare Journal: Front Psychiatry Date: 2022-03-09 Impact factor: 4.157
Authors: Andreas Hinz; Christian Sander; Heide Glaesmer; Elmar Brähler; Markus Zenger; Anja Hilbert; Rüya-Daniela Kocalevent Journal: Int J Clin Health Psychol Date: 2017-03-31