[The characteristics of depression in the elderly]

Depression is a patologic condition found in all age groups, including the elderly. It is not a normal part of aging. Because of the various symptoms and signs and gradual course of depression, it is very often unrecognized.

Study group included 223 patients aged over 65, who visited their family doctor at Postira and Milna clinics, island of Brac, in period from December 1, 2003 till March 1, 2004. Study subjects filled out three questionnaires: personal data, geriatric depression scale, and a short questionnaire about pain, designed by the Croatian Society for Pain Control.

According to the score on the geriatric depression scale, 15% of patients had symptoms of severe depression and 34% of mild depression. Both sexes were equally represented. In those with depression, anxiety, irritability and nervousness were markedly expressed as compared with those without depression. In patients with ICV, the symptoms of depression were considerably more pronounced than in healthy population. The experience of pain was much more intense in depressive subjects. Painkillers were much more effective in the group of nondepressed subjects. In the depressed group, insomnia, insecurity and disturbing thoughts about future disease were more intense. Interpersonal relationships were disturbed, and the quality of life impaired due to the pain.

Primary care physician is mostly the doctor of first contact for the elderly. Therefore, it is very important that general practitioners know how to recognize depressive symptoms.