Are old people more depressed? Cross-sectional data on Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale factors.
Age differences on the 20-item Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) were examined for 4 age-cohort groups: 20-39 years (n = 548), 40-54 years (n = 218), 55-69 years (n = 352), and 70-98 years (n = 212). On total CES-D, there was a significant age effect and quadratic trend, with means for the middle aged least and those for the oldest most elevated. On 4 CES-D subscales--Depressed Mood, Psychomotor Retardation, Lack of Well-being (i.e., reverse-scored items), and Interpersonal Difficulties--the oldest group scored highest only on lack of well-being. Somatic symptoms of depression were not elevated. Young adults scored highest on depressed mood. Adults who are now old were not generally characterized by elevated self-reports of depressive symptoms; however, on items asking whether the respondent has a hopeful outlook, those aged 70 and older were more likely to endorse a lack of such positive feelings.
Gatz
M
M
Department of Psychology, University of Southern California, Los Angeles 90089-1061.
Hurwicz
M L
ML
D000328:Adult; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000375:Aging / Q000523:psychology; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003625:Data Collection; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales