Course Of Late-life Depression Research Articles

Effectiveness of continuity of care in reducing depression symptoms in elderly: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

Depression affects 10%-20% of older adults worldwide. The course of late-life depression (LLD) is often chronic, with a poor long-term prognosis. Lower treatment adherence, stigma, and suicide risk lead to significant challenges in the continuity of care (COC) for patients with LLD. Elderly patients with chronic diseases can benefit from COC. As a common chronic disease of the elderly, whether depression can also benefit from COC has not been systematically reviewed. Systematic literature search in Embase, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, Ovid, PubMed and Medline. Randomized Controlled Trials (RCTs) on the intervention effects of COC and LLD, published on 12 April 2022, were selected. Two independent researchers made research choices based on consensus. An RCT with COC as an intervention measure for the elderly with depression 60years old was the inclusion criteria. A total of 10 RCTs involving 1557 participants were identified in this study. The findings showed that: (1) COC significantly reduced depressive symptoms compared to usual care (standardized mean difference [SMD]=-0.47, 95% confidence interval: -0.63 to -0.31), with the best improvement at 3- to 6-month follow-up; (2) The reduction in depressive symptoms was more pronounced for patients with comorbid chronic conditions with LLD (SMD=-0.93, 95% CI: -1.18 to -0.68); (3) COC was more effective than other regions for LLD in Europe and the Americas (SMD=-0.84, 95% CI: -1.07 to -0.61); and (4) COC had a positive impact on the quality of life of patients with LLD (SMD=0.21, 95% CI: 0.02-0.40). The included studies included several multi-component interventions with widely varying methods. Therefore, it was almost impossible to analyze which of these interventions had an impact on the assessed outcomes. This meta-analysis shows that COC can significantly reduce depressive symptoms and improve quality of life in patients with LLD. However, when treating and caring for patients with LLD, health care providers should also pay attention to timely adjustments of intervention plans according to follow-up, synergistic interventions for multiple co-morbidities, and actively learning from advanced COC programs at home and abroad to improve the quality and effectiveness of services.

Psychobiological factors of resilience and depression in late life

In contrast to traditional perspectives of resilience as a stable, trait-like characteristic, resilience is now recognized as a multidimentional, dynamic capacity influenced by life-long interactions between internal and environmental resources. We review psychosocial and neurobiological factors associated with resilience to late-life depression (LLD). Recent research has identified both psychosocial characteristics associated with elevated LLD risk (e.g., insecure attachment, neuroticism) and psychosocial processes that may be useful intervention targets (e.g., self-efficacy, sense of purpose, coping behaviors, social support). Psychobiological factors include a variety of endocrine, genetic, inflammatory, metabolic, neural, and cardiovascular processes that bidirectionally interact to affect risk for LLD onset and course of illness. Several resilience-enhancing intervention modalities show promise for the prevention and treatment of LLD, including cognitive/psychological or mind–body (positive psychology; psychotherapy; heart rate variability biofeedback; meditation), movement-based (aerobic exercise; yoga; tai chi), and biological approaches (pharmacotherapy, electroconvulsive therapy). Additional research is needed to further elucidate psychosocial and biological factors that affect risk and course of LLD. In addition, research to identify psychobiological factors predicting differential treatment response to various interventions will be essential to the development of more individualized and effective approaches to the prevention and treatment of LLD.

Prognostic effect of serum BDNF levels in late-life depression: Moderated by childhood trauma and SSRI usage?

BackgroundBrain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) levels decline during depression and normalise after remission, although studies in older patient samples are inconsistent. Whether BDNF serum levels predict depression remission is unclear. We hypothesize that the predictive value of serum BDNF levels in late-life depression is moderated by selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) usage and early traumatization. MethodsOur study sample was a subset of the Netherlands Study of Depression in Older persons (NESDO), a prospective cohort study. It consisted of 267 older persons with a diagnosis of depression, for which follow-up data were available. Depression diagnosis was assessed at baseline and follow up using a structured diagnostic interview (Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI), volume2.1). Logistic regression was performed (adjusted for covariates) with remission of depression after two years as the dependent variable and baseline BDNF serum levels, childhood traumatization and SSRI use as independent variables. Results - The mean age of the subjects was 70.7 years, 65.6% of them were female, their mean BDNF level was 7.7 ng/ml, 80 (30.0%) of them were traumatised in their childhood,71 (26.6%) used SSRIs and 136 (50.9%) no longer had a depressive disorder at the two year follow up. The predictive value of BDNF serum levels was conditional on traumatization and SSRI usage (threeway interaction p = .010). Higher BDNF serum levels predicted remission in traumatized depressed patients without SSRI usage (OR = 1.17, 95% C.I.: 1.00–1.36; p = .048) and in non-traumatized depressed patients who used SSRIs (OR = 1.17, 95% C.I.: 1.00–1.36; p = .052), but not in the other two subgroups. ConclusionThe association between BDNF serum levels and the course of late-life depression seems to depend on SSRI use and childhood trauma. Based on these results, we hypothesize that childhood trauma may permanently reduce (‘blunt’) the responsiveness of the neurotrophic system to SSRI usage, and that this responsiveness might be more important for depression course than the actual BDNF serum levels.

Development and external validation of a prediction rule for an unfavorable course of late-life depression: A multicenter cohort study

BackgroundGiven the poor prognosis of late-life depression, it is crucial to identify those at risk. Our objective was to construct and validate a prediction rule for an unfavourable course of late-life depression. MethodsFor development and internal validation of the model, we used The Netherlands Study of Depression in Older Persons (NESDO) data. We included participants with a major depressive disorder (MDD) at baseline (n = 270; 60–90 years), assessed with the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI). For external validation of the model, we used The Netherlands Study of Depression and Anxiety (NESDA) data (n = 197; 50–66 years). The outcome was MDD after 2 years of follow-up, assessed with the CIDI. Candidate predictors concerned sociodemographics, psychopathology, physical symptoms, medication, psychological determinants, and healthcare setting. Model performance was assessed by calculating calibration and discrimination. Results111 subjects (41.1%) had MDD after 2 years of follow-up. Independent predictors of MDD after 2 years were (older) age, (early) onset of depression, severity of depression, anxiety symptoms, comorbid anxiety disorder, fatigue, and loneliness. The final model showed good calibration and reasonable discrimination (AUC of 0.75; 0.70 after external validation). The strongest individual predictor was severity of depression (AUC of 0.69; 0.68 after external validation). LimitationsThe model was developed and validated in The Netherlands, which could affect the cross-country generalizability. ConclusionsBased on rather simple clinical indicators, it is possible to predict the 2-year course of MDD. The prediction rule can be used for monitoring MDD patients and identifying those at risk of an unfavourable outcome.

Childhood Abuse and the Two-Year Course of Late-Life Depression

Late-life depression often has a chronic course, with debilitating effects on functioning and quality of life; there is still no consensus on important risk factors explaining this chronicity. Cross-sectional studies have shown that childhood abuse is associated with late-life depression, and in longitudinal studies with chronicity of depression in younger adults. We aim to investigate the impact of childhood abuse on the course of late-life depression. Two-year longitudinal cohort study. Data were derived from the Netherlands Study of Depression in Older Persons (NESDO). 282 participants with a depression diagnosis in the previous 6 months (mean age: 70.6 years), of whom 152 (53.9%) experienced childhood abuse. Presence of childhood abuse (yes/no) and a frequency-based childhood abuse index (CAI) were calculated. Dependent variable was depression diagnosis after 2 years. Multivariable mediation analysis showed an association between childhood abuse and depression diagnosis at follow-up. Depression severity, age at onset, neuroticism, and number of chronic diseases were important mediating variables of this association, which then lost statistical significance. For childhood abuse (yes/no), loneliness was an additional, significant mediator. Depression severity was the main mediating variable, reducing the direct effect by 26.5% to 33.3% depending on the definition of abuse (respectively, 'yes/no" abuse and CAI). More depressive symptoms at baseline, lower age at depression onset, higher levels of neuroticism and loneliness, and more chronic diseases explain a poor course of depression in older adults who reported childhood abuse. When treating late-life depression it is important to detect childhood abuse and consider these mediating variables.

The impact of frailty on depressive disorder in later life: Findings from the Netherlands Study of depression in older persons

BackgroundPhysical frailty and depressive symptoms are reciprocally related in community-based studies, but its prognostic impact on depressive disorder remains unknown. MethodsA cohort of 378 older persons (≥60 years) suffering from a depressive disorder (DSM-IV criteria) was reassessed at two-year follow-up. Depressive symptom severity was assessed every six months with the Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology, including a mood, motivational, and somatic subscale. Frailty was assessed according to the physical frailty phenotype at the baseline examination. ResultsFor each additional frailty component, the odds of non-remission was 1.24 [95% CI=1.01–1.52] (P=040). Linear mixed models showed that only improvement of the motivational (P<001) subscale and the somatic subscale (P=003) of the IDS over time were dependent on the frailty severity. ConclusionsPhysical frailty negatively impacts the course of late-life depression. Since only improvement of mood symptoms was independent of frailty severity, one may hypothesize that frailty and residual depression are easily mixed-up in psychiatric treatment.

Metabolic dysregulation and late-life depression: a prospective study.

Depression is associated with the metabolic syndrome (MS). We examined whether metabolic dysregulation predicted the 2-year course of clinical depression. A total of 285 older persons (⩾60 years) suffering from depressive disorder according to DSM-IV-TR criteria was followed up for 2 years. Severity of depression was assessed with the Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology (IDS) at 6-month intervals. Metabolic syndrome was defined according the National Cholesterol Education Programme (NCEP-ATP III). We applied logistic regression and linear mixed models adjusted for age, sex, years of education, smoking, alcohol use, physical activity, somatic co-morbidity, cognitive functioning and drug use (antidepressants, anti-inflammatory drugs) and severity of depression at baseline. MS predicted non-remission at 2 years (odds ratioper component = 1.26, 95% confidence interval 1.00-1.58), p = 0.047), which was driven by the waist circumference and HDL cholesterol. MS was not associated with IDS sum score. Subsequent analyses on its subscales, however, identified an association with the somatic symptom subscale score over time (interaction time × somatic subscale, p = 0.005), driven by higher waist circumference and elevated fasting glucose level. Metabolic dysregulation predicts a poor course of late-life depression. This finding supports the concept of 'metabolic depression', recently proposed on population-based findings of a protracted course of depressive symptoms in the presence of metabolic dysregulation. Our findings seem to be driven by abdominal obesity (as indicated by the waist circumference) and HDL cholesterol dysregulation.

Effect of chronic somatic diseases on the course of late‐life depression

To examine the influence of specific chronic somatic diseases and overall somatic diseases burden on the course of depression in older persons. This was a prospective cohort study with a 2-year follow-up. Participants were depressed persons (n = 285) from the Netherlands Study of Depression in Older Persons. The presence of chronic somatic diseases was based on self-report. Diagnosis of depression was assessed with the Composite International Diagnostic Interview, and severity of depression was measured with the Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology Self-report. Cardiovascular diseases (odds ratio [OR] = 1.67, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 1.02-2.72, p = 0.041), musculoskeletal diseases (OR = 1.71, 95% CI = 1.04-2.80, p = 0.034), and the number of chronic somatic diseases (OR = 1.37, 95% CI = 1.16-1.63, p < 0.001) were associated with having a depressive disorder at 2-year follow-up. Furthermore, chronic non-specific lung diseases, cardiovascular diseases, musculoskeletal diseases, cancer, or cumulative somatic disease burden were associated with a chronic course of depression. Somatic disease burden is associated with a poor course of late-life depression. The course of late-life depression is particularly unfavorable in the presence of chronic non-specific lung diseases, cardiovascular diseases, musculoskeletal diseases, and cancer. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Is the naturalistic course of depression in older people related to received support over time? Results from a longitudinal population-based study.

To test the interrelation of the naturalistic course of depression in older people with long-term support received. Longitudinal cohort study. A sample of 277 adults age 55-85 years participating in the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam, with clinically relevant depressive symptoms at baseline (scores ≥16 on the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale) were followed up over a period of 13 years. General estimating equations were used to examine the relation between depression course and emotional/instrumental support received over time. In addition, partner status, gender, and age were tested as modifiers. A 2-way interaction between depression courses types and time showed significant differences in instrumental support received over time in older people with a late-life depression. Three-way interactions showed that associations between depression course and support variables were modified by gender and partner status. Both men and singles, with a chronic course of depression may be at risk to lose emotional and instrumental support over time. Professional attention is needed to prevent a chronic course of late-life depression, and to preserve personal social networks. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Metabolic dysregulation as predictor for the course of late-life depression

IntroductionDepression is associated with the metabolic syndrome (MS). Recently, the concept of ‘metabolic depression’ has been proposed based on a protracted course of depressive symptoms over time.Objective and aimsWithin the Netherlands study of depression in older persons, we examined whether metabolic dysregulation predicted the two-year course of depression.MethodsA cohort study (n = 285) of depressed persons (≥60 years) with two-year follow up. Depression was classified according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV). Severity of depression was assessed with sum score as well as subscale scores of the Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology (IDS) at six-month intervals. The metabolic syndrome was defined according the National Cholesterol Education Program (NCEP-ATP III). We applied logistic regression and linear mixed models adjusted for a wide range of confounders and severity of depression at baseline.ResultsThe number of MS-components predicted non-remission at two-years (OR = 1.28 [95% CI: 1.00–1.58], P = 0.047), which was driven by waist-circumference, HDL-cholesterol and triglycerides. MS was only associated with the somatic symptom subscale score of the IDS over time, but not with its sum score (interaction time × somatic subscale, P = 0.002). This effect was driven by waist circumference, elevated fasting glucose level and hypertension.ConclusionMetabolic dysregulation predicts the course of late-life depression. This effect seems to be driven by visceral obesity (as indicated by the waist circumference) and lipid dysregulations and with respect to the somatic symptoms of depression.Disclosure of interestThe authors have not supplied their declaration of competing interest.

Physical frailty in late-life depression is associated with deficits in speed-dependent executive functions.

The aim of this study was to examine the association between physical frailty and neurocognitive performance in late-life depression (LLD). Cross-sectional design using baseline data from a treatment study of late-life depression was used in this study. Individuals aged 60 years and older were diagnosed with major depressive disorder at time of assessment (N = 173). All participants received clinical assessment of depression and completed neuropsychological testing during a depressive episode. Physical frailty was assessed using an adaptation of the FRAIL scale. Neuropsychological domains were derived from a factor analysis that yielded three factors: (i) speeded executive and fluency, (ii) episodic memory, and (iii) working memory. Associations were examined with bivariate tests and multivariate models. Depressed individuals with a FRAIL score >1 had worse performance than nonfrail depressed across all three factors; however, speeded executive and fluency was the only factor that remained significant after controlling for depression symptom severity and demographic characteristics. Although physical frailty is associated with broad neurocognitive deficits in LLD, it is most robustly associated with deficits in speeded executive functions and verbal fluency. Causal inferences are limited by the cross-sectional design, and future research would benefit from a comparison group of nondepressed older adults with similar levels of frailty. Research is needed to understand the mechanisms underlying associations among depression symptoms, physical frailty, and executive dysfunction and how they are related to the cognitive and symptomatic course of LLD.

Epidemiology of MRI-defined vascular depression: A longitudinal, community-based study in Korean elders

BackgroundThere are no cross-sectional or longitudinal epidemiological studies present on MRI-defined vascular depression in community populations. The purpose of this study was to estimate the prevalence rates of both vascular and non-vascular late life depression (LLD) at baseline, to examine the natural course of LLD, and to investigate the influence of White matter hyperintensities (WMHs) on depression after three years. MethodThe baseline study employed a two-stage design, Phase I population survey (n=783) and Phase II diagnostic evaluation (n=122). In the 3-year follow-up study, baseline participants completing the second phase were reassessed with the same methodology. WMHs severity was rated visually by the modified Fazekas scale and WMHs volume was calculated using an automated method. ResultsThe prevalence rates of vascular major depressive disorder (MDD) and vascular non-major depressive disorder (nMDD) were 2.39% (56.2% of MDD) and 4.24% (34.0% of nMDD). Subjects with a score of 2 or more on the modified Fazekas scale in either deep white matter hyperintensities or subcortical gray matter ratings had an 8.1 times greater risk of developing a depressive disorder in the 3-year follow-up study. Greater Log WMHs volume (odds ratio=5.78, 95% CI, 1.04–31.72) at baseline was an independent predictor for depressive disorder in the 3-year assessment. LimitationsResponse rate and follow-up rate were relatively low. ConclusionsVascular depression is common and makes up about a half of MDD in elders. Greater WMHs severity is a crucial factor predicting future depression risk, which supports the previous vascular depression hypothesis.

Frailty as a Predictor of the Course of Late-life Depression: Findings From a Longitudinal Cohort Study

BackgroundMore than a quarter of depressed older persons is physically frail. Understanding the associations between frailty and depression may help to improve treatment outcome for late-life depression. The aim of this study is to test whether physical frailty predicts the course of late-life depression. MethodsA cohort study (N=285) of depressed older persons aged ≥60 years with two years follow-up. Depression was classified according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) criteria at baseline and at two-year follow-up. Severity of depression was assessed with the sum score as well as subscale scores of the Inventory of Depressive Symptomatology (IDS) at six-month intervals. Physical frailty was defined as ≥3 out of 5 criteria (handgrip strength, weight loss, poor endurance, walking speed, low physical activity). ResultsFrail patients were more severely depressed compared to their non-frail counterparts. Multivariable logistic regression showed that physical frailty at baseline was associated with depression at two years follow-up, adjusted for socio-demographics and lifestyle factors. Linear mixed models showed that improvement of mood symptoms over time was independent of frailty status, whereas frailty had a negative impact on the course of the somatic and motivational symptoms of depression. ConclusionsThe negative impact of physical frailty on the course of depression may point to the potential importance of incorporating multi-facetted interventions in the treatment of late-life depression. Further understanding of the mediating mechanisms underlying the association between frailty and depression may further guide the development of these interventions.

The two-year course of late-life depression; results from the Netherlands study of depression in older persons.

BackgroundWe aimed to examine the course of depression during 2-year follow-up in a group clinically depressed older persons. Subsequently, we studied which socio-demographic and clinical characteristics predict a depression diagnoses at 2-year follow-up.MethodsData were used from the Netherlands Study of Depression in Older persons (NESDO; N = 510). Diagnoses of depression DSM-IV-TR criteria were available from 285 patients at baseline and at 2-year follow-up. Severity of the depressive symptoms, as assessed with the Inventory of Depressive Symptoms (IDS), was obtained from 6-monthly postal questionnaires. Information about socio-demographic and clinical variables was obtained from the baseline measurement.ResultFrom the 285 older persons who were clinically depressed at baseline almost half (48.4%) also suffered from a depressive disorder two years later. Patients with more severe depressive symptoms, comorbid dysthymia, younger age of onset and more chronic diseases were more likely to be depressed at 2-year follow-up. 61% of the persons that were depressed at baseline had a chronic course of depressive symptoms during these two years.ConclusionsLate-life depression often has a chronic course, even when treated conform current guidelines for older persons. Our results suggest that physical comorbidity may be candidate for adjusted and intensified treatment strategies of older depressed patients with chronic and complex pathology.

Appetite loss and neurocognitive deficits in late-life depression.

This study aimed to examine the association of appetite loss symptoms to neurocognitive performance in late-life depression (LLD). This study used cross-sectional data from individuals aged 60+ years with major depressive disorder (N = 322). Participants received clinical assessment of depression and neuropsychological testing. Factor analysis was used to characterize depression symptom factors, and composite scales were developed for episodic memory, psychomotor-executive functions, verbal fluency, and working memory span. Factor analysis produced a five-factor solution: (1) anhedonia/sadness; (2) suicidality/guilt; (3) appetite/weight loss; (4) sleep disturbance; and (5) anxiety/tension. In separate multivariate models for each neurocognitive domain and including all five depression factors, higher appetite-loss-related symptoms were associated with lower performance in episodic memory, psychomotor-executive functions, and verbal fluency; results were significant with covariates of age, education, race, sex, age of depression onset, and illness burden. No other depression factors were associated with neurocognitive performance in these models. In an additional set of models, the appetite factor mediated the association between global depression severity and neurocognitive performance. A factor of appetite and weight loss symptoms in LLD was uniquely associated with neurocognitive performance, in contrast to lack of association among other depression symptom factors. Cognitive deficits are a major adverse outcome of LLD, and prominent appetite loss during acute depression may be a marker for these deficits, independent of overall depression severity. Research is needed to understand the mechanisms that may explain this association, and how it is related to the cognitive and symptomatic course of LLD.

Twelve-Year History of Late-Life Depression and Subsequent Feelings to God

Growing evidence shows several possible relations between religiousness and late-life depression. Emotional aspects of religiousness such as facets of the perceived relationship with God can be crucial in this connection. The aim of the current study was to examine the association between the course of late-life depression and feelings about God and religious coping. Longitudinal survey study; naturalistic; 12-year follow-up. Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam; population-based, in three regions in The Netherlands. A subsample of 343 respondents (mean age: 77.2 years), including all respondents with high levels of depressive symptoms at any measurement cycle between 1992 and 2003 (assessed by using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale and the Diagnostic Interview Schedule) and a random sample of nondepressed respondents who completed a postal questionnaire in2005. Scales on God Image and Religious Coping. Twelve-year depression course trajectories serve as predicting variables and are specified according to recency and seriousness. Persistent and emergent depression are significantly associated with fear of God, feeling wronged by God, and negative religious coping. In terms of negative religious coping, significant associations were observed after adjustment for concurrent depression with a history of repeated minor depression and previous major depression. Late-life depression seems to maintain a pervasive relationship over time with affective aspects of religiousness. Religious feelings may parallel the symptoms of anhedonia or a dysphoric mood and could represent the experience of an existential void.

Mental Health Disparities in Older Latinos: Treatment Implications for the Fastest Growing Segment of the Population

Mental Health Disparities in Older Latinos: Treatment Implications for the Fastest Growing Segment of the Population

2649 – White matter hyperintensities are an independent predictor of future depressive disorders: 3-year results from epidemiological study of vascular depression in korean elderly

The purposes of this study were to estimate the prevalence rates of subtypes of late life depression (LLD) including (vascular depression and non-vascular depression) in the baseline study, to examine the natural course of LLD and to investigate influence of white matter hyperintensities (WMH) volume on depression and neurocognitive function in the 3-year follow-up study. WMH was rated by the modified Fazekas scale and the volume of WMH was also calculated by an automated quantification method. Patients were classified as having vascular depression if they suffered from any type of depressive disorders and had a score of 2 or more on either deep white matter hyperintensity or subcortical gray matter ratings. In the 3- year follow-up study, the participants of the in the baseline were follow-uped with the same methodology of the baseline study. The prevalence rates of vascular major depressive disorder (MDD) and vascular non-major depressive disorder (nMDD) were 2.39% (53.6% of MDD) and 4.24% (34.0% of nMDD), respectively, in the baseline study. Among non-depressive group in the baseline study, subjects with WMH(+) had 13.5 times (OR=13.5, 95% CI=1.10-165.97) risk of developing depressive disorder in the 3-year follow-up study, as compared to those without WMH(+). Log WMH volume (OR=5.78, 95 CI=1.04-31.72) in the baseline study was an independent predictor for depressive disorder in the 3-year follow-up study WMH is a crucial predictor for future depressive disorder, which supports the previous vascular depression hypothesis. Vascular depression is a useful construct accounting for clinical characteristics of LLD.

Prevalence and natural course of late-life depression in China primary care: A population based study from an urban community

Primary care is the most promising venue for the management of late-life depression in China. The current study was designed to establish the prevalence of major depressive disorder among older adults in primary care, and to examine the correlates, and the natural course of late-life depression over a year. A sample of 1275 adults aged over 60 years was recruited from a primary care clinic in urban China for screening with PHQ-9, and 262 participants stratified by PHQ-9 score were interviewed to collect the presence of major depressive disorder (MDD), the availability of social support, and physical health and functional status. Participants were followed up for 12 months at 3-month intervals. The estimated prevalence of MDD was 11.3% with the SCID interview. Increasing age, female gender, and lower educational level, living alone, low support from family, high medical illness burden, and impairment of daily function were significantly associated with MDD in later life. Less than 1% of these patients received treatments. More than 60% of patients with MDD at baseline remained depressed throughout the 12 month follow-up period; and only 3 patients had been treated during the 12-month follow-up. The correlates of late-life depression observed here may not necessarily serve as risk factors guiding the development of future prevention strategies. In an urban Chinese primary care setting, late-life depression was found to be a common condition. Few patients with MDD received treatment for their condition, and the majority remained depressed over the following year.

Course of Late-Life Depression With Alcoholism Following Combination Therapy

The comorbidity of alcoholism and depression increases the complexity of treatment and is associated with severe disability and morbidity. However, long-term treatment algorithms have been understudied. This study examined the natural course of 74 depressed alcoholics over 6 to 12 months following a 12-week acute-phase trial of sertraline (Zoloft), naltrexone (Revia), and compliance enhancement therapy. Subjects were monitored for long-term outcomes based on their acute-phase trial response. Fifty-four subjects followed up at 6 months, and 50 subjects remained at the 12-month visit. Full responders at the end of the 12-week acute-phase trial sustained better overall outcomes (6 months: chi2=19.9, 4 df, p=.001; 12 months: chi2=11.7, 4 df, p=.020) and better drinking and depression outcomes, as compared with partial responders and nonresponders over a 6-month and 12-month period. Initial full responders sustain better overall treatment outcomes at 6 and 12 months, compared with partial responders and nonresponders. The defined outcome categories incorporate meaningful and practical measures of severity and can help predict treatment outcomes in clinical practice, thereby allowing timely interventions. Future studies should focus on maintenance strategies for full responders and treatment adaptations for partial responders and nonresponders.