Mental health problems in the elderly in residential care in Greece--A pilot study.
The aim of this study is to examine the mental health problems of older adults living in a residential home in a Greek rural area. A sample of 40 residents was compared with 40 matched controls attending a community open care centre for the elderly (OCCE). The following measures were used: Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI), Geriatric Depression Screening Scale (GDSS), and the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). The group of the residents had a lower educational level and presented with a higher prevalence of depression and suicidality. Suicidal ideation was not significantly correlated to any of the examined independent social or psychological factors and was persistent during a period of two years follow-up. It is possible that, especially in rural areas, admission in the institution is per se a traumatic event precipitating suicidality. The issues of effective psychological care for older adults in residential care are discussed.
Arvaniti
A
A
Department of Psychiatry Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, Alexandroupolis, Greece.
Livaditis
M
M
Kanioti
E
E
Davis
E
E
Samakouri
M
M
Xenitidis
K
K
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003863:Depression / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000208:ethnology; D005260:Female; D006115:Greece / Q000453:epidemiology; D006707:Homes for the Aged; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000628:therapy*; D008605:Mental Health Services / Q000458:organization & administration*; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D010865:Pilot Projects; D015995:Prevalence; D011619:Psychotropic Drugs / Q000627:therapeutic use; D012114:Residential Treatment / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012424:Rural Population; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D011619:Psychotropic Drugs