Citation

Barry KL, Fleming MF, Manwell LB, Copeland LA, Appel S. Fam. Med. 1998; 30(5): 366-371.

Affiliation

Department of Psychiatry, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, USA. barry.kristen@forum.va.gov

Copyright

(Copyright © 1998, Society of Teachers of Family Medicine)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

9597536

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Depression in late life is a significant health problem in the United States. This study examined the relationship between depression and alcohol, cigarette use, family history, and sociodemographic factors in older adult primary care patients. METHODS: As part of a larger clinical trial, 2,732 patients in 24 primary care offices were recruited to complete a self-administered health screening survey. Depression was assessed using Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Third Edition, Revised (DSM-III-R) criteria for lifetime and current depression. RESULTS: A total of 17.8% of females and 9.4% of males age 60 and over met DSM-III-R criteria for lifetime depression; 10.6% of the females and 5.7% of the males met current depression criteria. Depression was significantly and positively correlated with female gender and family history of mental health problems and negatively correlated with social contact. CONCLUSIONS: Older adults, especially women, should be considered at elevated risk for depression when a family history of mental health problems and self-report of inadequate social connection can be established.

Language: en