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Mortality and mental disorders in a Spanish elderly population
1Departamento de Medicina y Psiquiatría, Universidad de Zaragoza, Spain. psaz@posta.unizar.es
International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry
|December 23, 1999
Summary
Elderly individuals with mental disorders, including dementia and depression, face significantly higher mortality risks. This study highlights increased mortality in psychiatric cases within a Spanish community.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric psychiatry
- Epidemiology
- Public health
Background:
- Mental health disorders are prevalent in the elderly population.
- Understanding the impact of psychiatric conditions on mortality is crucial for public health interventions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between mental disorders and mortality rates in an elderly community in Zaragoza, Spain.
- To quantify the mortality risk associated with specific psychiatric conditions in older adults.
Main Methods:
- A representative, stratified sample of 1080 elderly individuals (65+ years) was screened using validated instruments.
- A 4.5-year follow-up study analyzed mortality rates using logistic regression, controlling for demographic and health factors.
Main Results:
- A global mortality rate of 4.8% per year was observed.
- Diagnoses of 'organic' (dementia), global depression, and 'psychotic' depression were significantly associated with increased mortality (Odds Ratios ranging from 3.0 to 3.7).
- Pure 'organic' and 'depressed' cases showed higher mortality compared to cases with comorbidity.
Conclusions:
- A significant link exists between psychiatric morbidity and mortality in the elderly Spanish population.
- The mortality risk observed in psychiatric cases exceeds previous literature estimates, underscoring the need for targeted care.