Psychosis, depression and behavioural disturbances in Sydney nursing home residents: prevalence and predictors.
BACKGROUND
There is wide variation in the rates of behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) reported in nursing homes.


OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to investigate: (1) the prevalence of BPSD in nursing home residents using the BEHAVE-AD; (2) the relationships of BPSD with (a) demographic, (b) dementia, (c) diurnal and (d) nursing home variables; and (3) the inter-relationships between different types of BPSD, as measured by subscales of the BEHAVE-AD.


RESULTS
Over 90% of residents exhibited at least one behavioural disturbance. Specifically, there was evidence of psychosis in 60%, depressed mood in 42% and activity disturbances or aggression in 82% of residents. Younger, more functionally impaired residents with a chart diagnosis of psychosis had higher BPSD rates, as did those residing in larger nursing homes. Individual BPSD were significantly intercorrelated.


CONCLUSIONS
BPSD are ubiquitous in nursing home residents. Behavioural disturbances are frequently associated with psychosis and/or depression. The findings suggest the need for psychogeriatric services to nursing homes and smaller facilities.
Brodaty
H
H
School of Psychiatry, University of New South Wales, Australia. h.brodaty@unsw.edu.au
Draper
B
B
Saab
D
D
Low
L F
LF
Richards
V
V
Paton
H
H
Lie
D
D
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000374:Aggression; D003704:Dementia / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D003863:Depression / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D005260:Female; D006707:Homes for the Aged / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D008875:Middle Aged; D009517:New South Wales / Q000453:epidemiology; D009735:Nursing Homes / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D015588:Observer Variation; D015995:Prevalence; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011618:Psychotic Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology; D012307:Risk Factors