Depression in older people: a study.
A longitudinal study is being carried out to monitor the levels of care received by older people following implementation of the GP contract, the granting of fundholding and trust status, and the implementation of the community care act. The study also aims to monitor the pattern of consumer satisfaction with different services and the input of practice nurses with regard to health assessment of older people. This article focuses on depression among older people and draws on data obtained in the first of three annual rounds of interviews with a cohort of 775 people over the age of 75 in areas covered by four first-wave community trusts. Thirty per cent of those interviewed were found to have symptoms indicating a high probability of depression. Those who appeared depressed were less likely to have had a health assessment by someone from general practice. They also had more physical symptoms and had consumed more drugs in the 24 hours before they were interviewed. Responses to open ended questions were also qualitatively different for those who appeared depressed on interview.
Wade
B
B
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001601:Bereavement; D015331:Cohort Studies; D003863:Depression / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D006304:Health Status; D006801:Humans; D008016:Life Change Events; D008137:Longitudinal Studies; D008297:Male; D012737:Sex Factors