Citation

Ziervogel A, Pfeiffer T, Hegerl U. Arch. Suicide Res. 2005; 9(1): 11-17.

Affiliation

Department of Psychiatry, German Research Net on Depression and Suicidality, University of Munich, Munich, Germany. anja.ziervogel@psy.med.uni-muenchen.de

Copyright

(Copyright © 2005, International Academy of Suicide Research, Publisher Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/13811110590512822

PMID

16040575

Abstract

Three Hundred and Seventy Four geriatric caregivers in Nuremberg and Munich participated in a four-hour advanced in-house training addressing the topic. "depression and suicidality in old age." Geriatric caregivers are key persons in early diagnosis of depressive symptoms and suicidality. The training focused on qualifying and sensitizing caregivers for these topics. A 12-item questionnaire was applied to measure the outcome parameters "knowledge and attitudes towards depression and suicidality in old age" within a pre-, post-, Three-months-follow-up design (rate of return = 58%). Short-term effectiveness of the advanced training "depression in old age" could be shown for most of the items. Significant long-term effects could be found concerning increase of knowledge about pharmacotherapy with antidepressants. Attitude towards "suicide in old age" also changed significantly. The training program was effective in improving knowledge and attitudes of geriatric caregivers concerning depression and suicidality.