Research Article, Int J Ment Health Psychiatry Vol: 2 Issue: 3
Depression in Geriatric Outpatients at Tertiary Care Center in India
| Akash Rajender1*, Gaurav R2, Krishna Kanwal3 and Priyanka Choudhary4 | |
| 1Department of General Medicine, Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Hospital, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India | |
| 2Department of Psychiatry, SMS Medical College, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India | |
| 3Department of Psychiatry, Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Hospital, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India | |
| 4Intern, Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Hospital, Jaipur, Rajasthan, India | |
| Corresponding author : Dr. Akash Rajender B-2, Opposite Pink Square Mall, Raja Park, Govind Marg, Jaipur - 302004, Rajasthan, India Tel: +91-9571815555 E-mail: drakash5@gmail.com |
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| Received: April 12, 2016 Accepted: July 07, 2016 Published: July 11, 2016 | |
| Citation: Rajender A, Gaurav R, Kanwal K, Choudhary P (2016) Depression in Geriatric Outpatients at Tertiary Care Center in India. Int J Ment Health Psychiatry 2:3. doi:10.4172/2471-4372.1000128 |
Abstract
Background: Aging is a progressive process beginning with life and ending with death. There is a massive growth in elderly population and age associated diseases. Depression is frequently associated with aging, associated comorbidities and treatment compliance in this fragile age group.
Aims and Objective: To study prevalence of depression in elderly using Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) and its associated risk factors.
Method: Three hundred elderly (≥ 60years) patients were assessed at Mahatma Gandhi Medical College and Hospital, Jaipur in an observational, cross sectional study using Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS). Correlation with associated risk factors were evaluated. Statistical analysis was done using SPSS version 12.0.
Results: Prevalence of depression was 29.3% of which 62 (20.67%) were mildly depressed and 26 (8.67%) were severely depressed. Depression was significantly higher in elderly subjects with comorbid chronic disease (p 0.0001), inadequate sleep (p 0.001), absent social participation (p 0.002) and in those who did not engage themselves in daytime work or hobbies (p 0.0002).
Conclusions: Depression is common in elderly, its undiagnosed and overlooked. Prevention of risk factors and early diagnosis may significantly reduce morbidity, mortality and improve quality of life.
