title: Prevalence of depression in elderly population in the southern part of punjab.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  Depressive symptoms are often not detected properly in elderly. The aim of this study was to explore the prevalence of depressive symptoms and possible co relational factors among elderly population.
  
  
  METHODS
  In a cross-sectional study, 100 elderly persons were screened. Geriatric depression scale (GDS) was used to assess depressive symptoms. A self-rating questionnaire was used to detect some sociodemographics and clinical variables.
  
  
  RESULTS
  100 respondents interviewed, 40 were 70 years and above and 41% were male. Sixty individuals (25 males and 35 females) were found to be mildly depressed. Seventeen (4 males and 13 females) were suffering from severe depression.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study is in line with previous studies showing the high prevalence of depression in elderly. Results suggest a proper screening for depression among elderly.
authors: Department of Family Medicine, G.G.S. Medical College and Hospital, Faridkot, Punjab, India.
authors: Anita
authors: A
authors: Goyal
authors: Department of Medicine, G.G.S. Medical College and Hospital, Faridkot, Punjab, India.
authors: K S
authors: KS
authors: Kajal
keywords: Depression; geriatric; mental health; prevalence
references: Indian J Psychiatry. 1982 Jul;24(3):268-73
references: 21965922
references: Indian J Psychol Med. 2010 Jul;32(2):87-92
references: 21716860
references: Int J Geriatr Psychiatry. 2002 May;17(5):409-15
references: 11994928
references: Acta Psychiatr Scand. 2006 May;113(5):372-87
references: 16603029
references: Br J Psychiatry. 1999 Apr;174:307-11
references: 10533549
references: Am J Psychiatry. 1980 Apr;137(4):439-44
references: 7361929
references: Gac Sanit. 2007 Jan-Feb;21(1):37-42
references: 17306185
references: Indian J Psychiatry. 1997 Apr;39(2):122-9
references: 21584058
references: Health Place. 2008 Sep;14(3):406-14
references: 17913562
references: J Psychiatr Res. 1982-1983;17(1):37-49
references: 7183759