One-month prevalence of mental disorders in a population sample of 95-year olds.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the 1-month prevalence of mental disorders among 95-year olds.


METHODS
Cross-sectional population sample of 95-year olds.


METHODS
: All 95-year olds born in the period 1901-1903 living in Gothenburg, Sweden, were invited. Elderly living in both community settings and nursing homes were included.


METHODS
In total, 338 95-year olds (response rate: 65%) were examined (263 women, 75 men).


METHODS
All participants were examined by psychiatrists using the Comprehensive Psychopathological Rating Scale and cognitive tests. Mental disorders were classified according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Third Edition, Revised criteria.


RESULTS
Two-third of all 95-year olds had a mental disorder. In the total sample of 95-year olds, the 1-month prevalence was 52% for dementia, 8% for depression, 4% for anxiety, and 3% for psychotic disorders. Almost one-third (29%) of the nondemented 95-year olds fulfilled criteria for a psychiatric disorder: 17% had depression, 9% anxiety, and 7% psychotic disorder.


CONCLUSIONS
The combined prevalence of mental disorders was high among 95-year olds, even after excluding dementia. These findings emphasize the importance of research, care, and detection of psychiatric problems in this age group.
Börjesson-Hanson
Anne
A
Department of Psychiatry and Neurochemistry, Neuropsychiatry Epidemiology Unit, Institute of Neuroscience and Physiology, Sahlgrenska Academy at University of Gothenburg, Gothenburg, Sweden. anne.borjesson@neuro.gu.se
Waern
Margda
M
Ostling
Svante
S
Gustafson
Deborah
D
Skoog
Ingmar
I
D000367:Age Factors; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D001523:Mental Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology*; D009483:Neuropsychological Tests; D015588:Observer Variation; D015995:Prevalence; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D013548:Sweden / Q000453:epidemiology