Comparison of major and minor depression in older medical inpatients with chronic heart and pulmonary disease.
Depressed medical inpatients with congestive heart failure (CHF) and/or chronic pulmonary disease (CPD) were examined to determine characteristics distinguishing major depression (N=413) from minor depression (N=587). Consecutively admitted patients age 50 or over were screened for depressive disorder with the Structured Clinical Interview for Depression (SCID-IV). CHF/CPD patients with major depression differed from those with minor depression not only on number and severity of depressive symptoms but also on race/ethnicity, comorbid psychiatric illnesses, dyspnea, life stressors, social support, and previous antidepressant therapy. CHF/CPD patients with major and minor depression have distinct psychosocial and physical characteristics that distinguish one from another.
Koenig
Harold G
HG
Duke Univ. Medical Center and the GRECC VA Medical Center, Durham, NC 27710, USA. koenig@geri.duke.edu
Vandermeer
Joan
J
Chambers
Angie
A
Burr-Crutchfield
Lesley
L
Johnson
Jeffrey L
JL
D000223:Adaptation, Psychological; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002908:Chronic Disease; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D005260:Female; D006333:Heart Failure / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D008171:Lung Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged