The course of depression in elderly outpatients.
Sixty-four elderly outpatients diagnosed according to the criteria of DSM-III as having affective disorders were submitted to follow-up study for 6-24 months (mean 15 months). Twenty patients (31%) were in good health throughout follow-up, fourty-four patients (69%) remained more or less chronically ill. The prognosis was better in patients diagnosed as having "adjustment disorder with depressed mood" and "dysthymic disorder"; when onset was late, and when there were no signs of organic brain C.N.S. damage.
Magni
G
G
Department of Psychiatry, University of Padua School of Medicine, Italy.
Palazzolo
O
O
Bianchin
G
G
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000553:Ambulatory Care; D003704:Dementia / Q000523:psychology*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000627:therapeutic use
D011619:Psychotropic Drugs