Assessment of depression in older adult males by general practitioners. Ageism, physical problems and treatment

Depressive symptoms are common among older people. This study evaluated whether the combination of age and the presence of a physical illness would influence the recognition, treatment and further investigation by general practitioners of possible depression in older adult males.

A 2 x 2 factorial design involving four vignettes of a male with depression was used. The variables involved two age levels and the presence or absence of heart disease. The sample consisted of 189 Perth GPs.

Depression was recognised by up to 95% of the GPs. Although the recognition of uncomplicated depressive symptoms was lower in the 76 year old male compared with the 56 year old, health recognition seemed the same for both. There were no effects for recommended treatment, prognosis, perceived competency to treat or further investigation. Antidepressant medication and counselling by the GP were the recommended treatments.

Depressive symptoms were recognised by more GPs in this study than in the existing literature, but with less likelihood of recognition for the older male.