Prevalence and correlates of depression in a population of nonagenarians.
BACKGROUND
Clinicians see many more nonagenarian patients now and there is a need for epidemiological data relating to this group. The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of depressive symptoms and syndromes in this age group.


METHODS
The DSM-IV and the ICD-10 criteria for depression were used and correlated with physical health, disability in daily life, gender, use of drugs, social circumstances and cognitive dysfunction. Data were derived from 329 persons aged 90 and over, registered in a parish of Stockholm, who had been extensively examined by physicians and nurses.


CONCLUSIONS
The prevalence of Major Depressive Episode as defined in DSM-IV was 7.9%; and of mild, moderate and severe Depressive Episode (combined); as defined in ICD-10 9.1%. No gender difference was found. Disability in daily life and the use of psychotropic drugs were found to correlate with depressive symptoms and syndromes.
Forsell
Y
Y
Stockholm Gerontology Research Centre, Karolinska Institute, Sweden.
Jorm
A F
AF
von Strauss
E
E
Winblad
B
B
D000203:Activities of Daily Living / Q000523:psychology; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over / Q000523:psychology / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D013548:Sweden / Q000453:epidemiology