[Prevalence and treatment of depressive syndromes in homes for the aged. Survey of a rural catchment area].
OBJECTIVE
The investigation aimed at assessing the prevalence of depression among residents in a nursing home.


METHODS
In a rural area of Germany a representative sample was examined by means of the "Brief Assessment Interview" (BAI).


RESULTS
17% had a depressive disorder without dementia, 9% had a mild dementia syndrome and a depressive disorder; a total of 47% suffered from symptoms of dementia without depression. Most of the patients were treated by general practitioners or internists. 11% of the patients with depression were treated with antidepressants, 19% with neuroleptics, 17% with minor tranquillizers, and 17% with hypnotics. Only 20% of the depressive patients had ever been examined by a psychiatrist, 4% underwent an actual psychiatric therapy.


CONCLUSIONS
Elderly patients with depressive disorders living in nursing homes need a more specific psychiatric treatment.
Mönking
H S
HS
St. Rochus-Hospital Telgte.
Hornung
W P
WP
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002391:Catchment Area, Health / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003704:Dementia / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology*; D005260:Female; D005858:Germany / Q000453:epidemiology; D006707:Homes for the Aged / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008403:Mass Screening; D009735:Nursing Homes / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010348:Patient Care Team; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012424:Rural Population / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*
D011619:Psychotropic Drugs