Depression in the Elderly with Chronic Medical Illness

Abstract

BackgroundThere is a bi-directional relationship between depression and chronic medical disorders.AimsThe objectives of our study were to measure the prevalence of depression in the elderly with chronic medical illness in primary care and to determine the socio-demographic and clinical factors related to depression.MethodsWe conducted a descriptive and analytical cross-sectional study of patients aged over 65, followed at the outpatient chronic diseases in Oudhref's district hospital (south of Tunisia) during the month of September 2014. We used two instruments: the activity of daily living (ADL) to determine the degree of autonomy and the geriatric depression scale (GDS) validated in Tunisia.ResultsAt the end of our investigation, 100 chronic disease patients met inclusion criteria. The average age of our population was 75 years. Prevalence of depression was 48%. The most frequent chronic pathology was hypertension (79%), followed by diabetes (70%). In analytical study, we noted no correlation between depression and socio-demographic variables such as age, sex and marital status. Regarding clinical variables, depression was significantly more frequent in patients with sensory impairments (82% vs 18%, P = 0.017), dependent (80% vs 20%, P = 0.002). Regarding chronic disease, depression was significantly more frequent in patients with respiratory disease (80% vs 20%, P = 0.033), a higher number of comorbidities (P = 0.005), who were hospitalised at least once (P = 0.015).ConclusionDepression is common in elderly with a chronic disease. Using screening instruments for major depression by primary care clinicians will help to detect depression.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Relationship Between Quality of Life and Sleep Quality in Resident and Nonresident Seniors in Shahroud City, Iran

“…Another study showed that QOL significantly affected the physical and mental components of sleep quality (35). Previous studies have also shown many factors contributing to poor sleep quality among seniors, including social and demographic factors (such as age, marital status, marriage, level of education) (36) and lifestyle factors (such as physical activity and anxiety and depression) (37), which all should also be considered.…”

The Forgotten Psychopathology of Depressed Long-Term Care Facility Residents: A Call for Evidence-Based Practice

“…LTCF make up a significant part of the social care and healthcare system in numerous societies, particularly in high-income countries, where they provide for the needs of older adults who are losing their autonomy [12]. These LTCF ensure that the most dependent older adults receive care following their loss of functional capacities, which might result in multiple falls, undernutrition, isolation and loneliness, and psychological suffering.…”

“…The vast majority of care is aimed at residents’ somatic complaints, even though psychiatric disorders, particularly depression, are very widespread [13]. Moreover, because depression can negatively affect the treatment efficacy for numerous other medical disorders, even the most well-intentioned medical interventions can end up being less effective and more expensive [12].…”