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Depression and self-reported functional status in older primary care patients
P A Sinclair1, J M Lyness, D A King
1Laboratory of Depression and Medical Comorbidity, Program in Geriatrics and Neuropsychiatry, Department of Psychiatry, University of Rochester School of Medicine, NY, USA.
The American Journal of Psychiatry
|March 7, 2001
Summary
Depression in older adults is linked to overstating role limitations, even when physical health is considered. This finding highlights the impact of depression on perceived functional disability.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Psychiatry
- Public Health
Background:
- Depression is a common condition in older adults.
- Functional disability assessment is crucial for managing elderly patients.
- The relationship between depression and perceived functional disability requires further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between depression and the overreporting of functional disability in older adults.
- To determine if depression independently influences self-reported functional limitations.
Main Methods:
- A study involving 304 patients aged 60 and above from primary care settings.
- Utilized examiner ratings for depression diagnosis and medical burden.
- Employed self-reported and examiner-rated functional assessments, analyzed using multiple regression.
Main Results:
- Depression diagnosis correlated with poorer self-reported role functioning, irrespective of the attributed cause of disability.
- No independent association was found between depression and poorer self-reported physical functioning.
Conclusions:
- Depression can significantly confound the self-reporting and attribution of functional disability in older individuals.
- Healthcare professionals should be aware of depression's influence on patient-reported outcomes.
- This highlights the need for comprehensive mental health assessments in geriatric care.
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