Depressionen im Alter

Abstract

Depression is the most frequent psychiatric disorder in old age. Some patients have had depressive episodes or other psychological disorder in an earlier part of their life span. Older people show more somatic or cognitive complaints compared to younger depressives. Risk factors for depression in old age are (incident) physical disorders, sleep disorders or loss of spouse. Depression worsens course and prognosis of comorbid somatic disorders. A major consequence is the high suicide rate in the elderly. Depression is also a risk factor for other disorders like dementia or institutionalisation. The interplay between depression and dementia and other organic brain disorders is complex und still unresolved. Depression in the elderly is a challenge for our health system. Recognition and treatment rates are still too low. Integrative treatment plans for depression with comorbid physical disorders or in various settings should be developed. With the growing elderly population the available evidence for treatment urgently has to be increased. In current practice drug therapies--mostly inadequate--dominate. Psychotherapy should be promoted and the number of old age psychotherapists increased.

Mediating effects of depressive symptoms on social support and quality of life among rural older Chinese

“…For aging people, depression is one of the most common psychiatric disorders [ 16 ]. Several studies have indicated that depressive symptoms were important predictors of QOL in the elderly [ 12 , 17 – 19 ].…”

China's Empty Nest Elderly Need Better Care

“…5 Depression is one of the most frequent psychiatric disorders in old age. 6 A survey of 4,265 Chinese adults aged 60 and older showed that the prevalence of depressive symptoms for empty nest elderly adults was 8.18%, significantly higher than that for those who are not empty nesters. 7 Factors such as being female, being single, and having poor self-rated health and life status were reported to be associated with depression.…”

Santé psychique à l'âge avancé: il y a davantage à faire!

“…De nombreux facteurs de risques peuvent être traités de m anière préventive, en particulier les troubles du sommeil persistants, l'isolement ou la pauvreté. Les résultats thérapeutiques et les perspectives de succès sont tout aussi bons que pour des personnes plus jeunes [10].…”