Association between age of onset and symptom profiles of late-life depression.
OBJECTIVE
The recognition of later late-onset (LLO) major depression (MD) is a matter of concern.


METHODS
Cross-sectional study assessed MD with the MINI structured interview and the MADRS in a referred sample of 13 377 non-demented adult out-patients visiting their physicians. Among 6850 patients with a first episode of MD, 370 LLO (75 years of age and older) MD were compared with 814 late-onset (LO) (60-74 years old) MD and 5666 early-onset (EO) (18-59 years old) MD.


RESULTS
There are many similarities between the symptom patterns of EO, LO and LLO MDs. However, the symptom pattern of LLO MD includes more retardation/agitation, lassitude, reduced appetite and apparent sadness, and less sleep disturbances, guilt feelings, pessimism and inner tension than LO and EO MD.


CONCLUSIONS
The differences in symptom profiles are very modest and between-group differences may not be meaningful on an individual level.
Corruble
E
E
Department of Psychiatry, Bicêtre University Hospital, INSERM U 669, Paris XI University, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France. emmanuelle.corruble@bct.aphp.fr
Gorwood
P
P
Falissard
B
B