Simple steps to diagnosis at primary care centres.
The prevalence of depression in elderly people varies strongly with the diagnostic criteria and methodology used, but it is often reported 12-15%. During a period of 3 months 1189 patients at two primary care centres were asked to participate in a study there a Swedish version of the Geriatric Depression Scale, GDS-20, were used. One-thousand and two patients were rated, and further analysis showed that 12.9% suffered from affective disorders. Depression in elderly is underdiagnosed in primary care centres. A screening instrument such as the GDS-20 is of value in identifying patients with depression. The 10 doctors who participated in the study found the GDS-20 easy to handle and it is recommended to be used at every primary care centre.
Noltorp
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S
Delfinen and Sjöcrona, Care Centres, Höganäs Sweden.
Gottfries
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CG
Nörgaard
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N
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011320:Primary Health Care; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales