Prevalence and correlates of depression in a population of nonagenarians

Abstract

Background. Clinicians see many more nonagenarian patients now and there is a need for epidemiological data relating to this group. The aim of the present study was to investigate the prevalence of depressive symptoms and syndromes in this age group. Method. The DSM-IV and the ICD-10 criteria for depression were used and correlated with physical health, disability in daily life, gender, use of drugs, social circumstances and cognitive dysfunction. Data were derived from 329 persons aged 90 and over, registered in a parish of Stockholm, who had been extensively examined by physicians and nurses. Results/Conclusions. The prevalence of Major Depressive Episode as defined in DSM-IV was 7.9%; and..