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Risk factors and psychosocial consequences in depression of octo- and nonagenerians: results of an epidemiological study

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Abstract

In a two-wave community study in Munich, Germany, a representative sample of 402 people older than 85 years was restudied 1 year later. In the first cross section a total of 358 (89.1%) subjects were interviewed. One year later 263 (73.5%) subjects were reexamined. Several diagnostic systems were used. The probands showed a high prevalence of depression — nearly one quarter of the interviewees. In this extreme age group gender differences in depression were minimal. Depressives were distinctly impaired in daily life. Depressive probands were more often found in institutions than in private households. Depressives were high users of the medical care system, but very rarely treated by specialists. Need for care and certain specific especially threatening life events were identified as risk factors for depression.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychiatry, University of Munich, Nussbaumstrasse 7, D-80336, Munich, Germany

    Ingeborg Meller & Hildegard Schröppel

  2. Klinik Roseneck, Hospital of Behavioural Medicine, D-83209, Prien, Germany

    Manfred M. Fichter

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  1. Ingeborg Meller
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  2. Manfred M. Fichter
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  3. Hildegard Schröppel
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Meller, I., Fichter, M.M. & Schröppel, H. Risk factors and psychosocial consequences in depression of octo- and nonagenerians: results of an epidemiological study. Eur Arch Psychiatry Clin Nuerosci 247, 278–287 (1997). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02900307

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02900307

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