Detection of depression in elderly hospitalized patients in emergency wards in France using the CES-D and the mini-GDS: preliminary experiences.
OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to evaluate the mini-GDS and the CES-D as instruments to detect depression in elderly hospitalized patients in emergency wards in France.


METHODS
The CES-D was used on two cohorts of 60 non-cognitively impaired patients aged 70 or more. The mini-GDS was also used on the second of the two cohorts administered by a medical intern. These ratings were compared with a diagnosis of depressive disorder by ICD-10 criteria.


RESULTS
The study population had a high (58%) prevalence of depression and a low level of active psychiatric referral. Mini-GDS and CES-D scores were well correlated (0.72, p < 0.001); the mini-GDS, with a cutoff score of 1, gave optimum sensitivity (88%) and specificity (63%).


CONCLUSIONS
The use of the mini-GDS may aid the detection of depression in patients in emergency wards.
Clement
J P
JP
University Department of Psychiatry, Hospital Esquirol, Limoges, France. shupsy@unilim.fr
Fray
E
E
Paycin
S
S
Leger
J M
JM
Therme
J F
JF
Dumont
D
D
D000368:Aged / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D015331:Cohort Studies; D015897:Comorbidity; D003863:Depression / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000453:epidemiology*; D004636:Emergency Service, Hospital / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D005260:Female; D005602:France / Q000453:epidemiology; D015577:Geriatric Assessment; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D015995:Prevalence; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales / Q000592:standards*; D012017:Referral and Consultation / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity