Day-clinic treatment of late-life depression

There are few studies evaluating treatment in gerontopsychiatric day-clinics. In this paper, data are presented on the outcome of day-clinic treatment in late-life depression.

Forty-four depressed elderly patients (mean Hamilton Depression Score: 17.6) were examined at admission and discharge for psychopathology, functioning in daily living, social situation, burden with medical disease and quality of life.

At discharge, the patients showed a significant reduction in depressive symptoms, improvements in cognitive performance, social activities and contacts. However, a more detailed analysis revealed that only patients responding to treatment (n=20) improved in the respective parameters. Patients, who did not recover fully from depression (n=24), did not improve in any of these parameters. At admission, responders and nonresponders did not differ concerning quality of life. At discharge, responders were significantly more satisfied in 11 of 20 domains of life quality. A shorter life time duration of depressive disease and male sex were predictive for a remission of depression. Thus, it could be shown that a considerable number of patients suffering from late-life depression may be successfully treated in a gerontopsychiatric day-clinic and 45.5% fully recover from depression.

The day-clinic setting meets the specific needs of patients suffering from late-life depression by maintaining them in the community, supporting their abilities for self-care and promoting social contacts. Treatment in a day-clinic may be recommended for many elderly depressed patients.