Risk factors for depression in elderly people: a prospective study

Abstract

In 1982-1983 a random sample of 1486 people aged 65 years and above was generated from general practitioner lists; 1070 were interviewed in the community using the Geriatric Mental State and a Social History questionnaire. The cohort was followed up by interview 3 years later. At year 3 the diagnostic computer program AGECAT diagnosed 44 incident cases of depression. Information from the depressed group's initial and further interviews was compared with a control group (which excluded cases of affective or organic mental illness). Univariate analysis yielded three factors that were significantly associated with the development of depression 3 years later: a lack of satisfaction with life; feelings of loneliness; and smoking. Multivariate analysis confirmed their independent effects and revealed 2 further factors attaining significance: female gender and a trigger factor, bereavement of a close figure within 6 months of the third-year diagnosis. Some other factors traditionally associated with depression, such as poor housing, marital status and living alone, failed to attain significance as risk factors.

Factors affecting the incidence of depression in the elderly

“…It quite often leads to serious health problems. Green et al (1992) state that loneliness is the third most important risk factor for development of depression, and also it is a significant cause of suicides and attempts of suicides. A study conducted by Hansson et al (1987) found out that loneliness is related to a poor mental state of a person, unhappiness within the family, and bad social relationships.…”

Loneliness in the housewives in rising metro culture

“…Problem occurs when this loneliness expresses itself in terms of various health related consequences. This may include frequent headaches, sleep disturbances (insomnia/excessive sleep), diet variation (anorexia/overeating) and irritable/depressive behavior of the housewives [4]. This problem is rising in modern metro culture.…”

Vol 4 No 2 (Full Issue)

“…La incidencia de estos factores en la calidad de vida y bienestar de este grupo de edad ha sido ampliamente estudiada en la literatura (Green et al, 1992;Singh y Misra, 2009). Sin embargo, conocemos muy poco en términos científicos sobre la relación existente entre las formas de corresidencia, la dependencia familiar y la calidad de vida y bienestar de estas personas en perspectiva comparada.…”