Biopsychosocial factors related to depression in aged care residents.
BACKGROUND
While depression is common in residential aged care settings, there is an absence of research into factors that may be associated with this condition. This pilot study examined the relationship between depression and multiple biopsychosocial factors among residents of aged care facilities.


METHODS
Participants were 50 aged care residents with a diagnosis of major depressive disorder, based on a clinical assessment using the SCID-I, and a matched sample of 50 residents without depression. The sample consisted of 80 women and 20 men without significant cognitive impairment, with a mean age of 83.0 years (SD=7.2 years). Participants completed a diagnostic interview with a clinical psychologist to determine the presence or absence of a mood disorder, and a set of scales related to demographics, depressive symptoms, physical health, functional disability, religiosity, and psychological wellbeing.


RESULTS
The unique predictors of scores on the Geriatric Depression Scale-15 were environmental mastery, purpose in life, and autonomy. These three variables discriminated between participants with and without a diagnosis of MDD with 80% accuracy.


CONCLUSIONS
Findings were limited by the cross-sectional methodology and small sample size of cognitively intact English-speaking aged care residents. Replication is required with a prospective longitudinal design with a broader sample of residents.


CONCLUSIONS
Psychological variables were more important in understanding depression among aged care residents than traditional risk factors such as medical illness and disability. While preliminary, these findings highlight possible targets to prevent and treat depression in aged care settings.
Aged Mental Health Research Unit, Monash University, Kingston Centre, Warrigal Road, Cheltenham, VIC 3192, Australia. tanya.davison@monash.edu
Tanya E
TE
Davison
Marita P
MP
McCabe
Tess
T
Knight
David
D
Mellor
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003072:Cognition Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D015897:Comorbidity; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006707:Homes for the Aged / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D019964:Mood Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology / Q000523:psychology; D009735:Nursing Homes / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D010865:Pilot Projects; D015995:Prevalence; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011584:Psychology; D012307:Risk Factors; D012649:Self Concept