Symptom differences between older depressed primary care patients with and without history of trauma.
OBJECTIVE
The current study explored the relationship between past traumatic experiences and current depression in a sample of depressed older adult primary care patients.


METHODS
Sixty-six patients were referred from primary care to a psychogeriatric clinic that specialized in the treatment of unipolar depressive disorders. All patients received an extensive psychological assessment.


RESULTS
Twenty-one percent had a history of trauma reported in their medical charts. Despite no differences found on a clinician-rated measure of depression, those with a trauma history had more depressive symptoms on a self-report measure.


CONCLUSIONS
Although older patients with a history of trauma may not appear more depressed than a non-trauma comparison group, they may be in more psychological distress. The clinical implications of these findings and recommendations for mental health professionals are discussed.
Cook
J M
JM
Philadelphia VA Medical Center, PA 19104, USA.
Areán
P A
PA
Schnurr
P P
PP
Sheikh
J I
JI
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000150:complications / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011320:Primary Health Care; D014947:Wounds and Injuries / Q000150:complications / Q000523:psychology*