Community-based case-control study of depression in older people. Cases and sub-cases from the MRC-ALPHA Study.
BACKGROUND
Risk factors of depression in later life, particularly for sub-cases and for psychotic and neurotic types of depression, are unclear.


OBJECTIVE
To identify such risk factors.


METHODS
Over 5200 older people (> or = 65 years), randomly selected from Liverpool, were interviewed using the Geriatric Mental State (GMS) and the Minimum Data Set (MDS). The computer-assisted diagnosis AGECAT identified 483 cases and 575 sub-cases of depression and 2451 with no mental problems. Logistic regression was employed to examine factors relevant to caseness.


RESULTS
In multiple logistical regression, odds ratios (ORs) were significantly high for being female (2.04, 95% CI 1.56-2.69), widowed (2.00, 1.18-3.39), having alcohol problems (4.37, 1.40-2.94), physical disablement (2.03, 1.40-2.94), physical illness (1.98, 1.25-3.15), taking medications to calm down (10.04, 6.41-15.71), and dissatisfaction with life (moderate 4.54, 3.50-5.90; more severe 29.00, 16.00-52.59). Good social networks reduced the ORs. If sub-cases were included as controls, the statistical significance was reduced.


CONCLUSIONS
Age was not associated with depression in later life whereas gender, physical disablement and dissatisfaction with life were. The sub-cases shared many risk factors with cases, suggesting that prevention may need to be attempted at an early stage.
Copeland
J R
JR
Department of Psychiatry, Royal Liverpool University Hospital.
Chen
R
R
Dewey
M E
ME
McCracken
C F
CF
Gilmore
C
C
Larkin
B
B
Wilson
K C
KC
D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D016022:Case-Control Studies; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000209:etiology*; D006233:Persons with Disabilities; D004739:England / Q000453:epidemiology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D016015:Logistic Models; D008297:Male; D016017:Odds Ratio; D011788:Quality of Life; D012307:Risk Factors; D012737:Sex Factors