Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 2, 2026

Association Between Sleep Quality and Cognitive Symptoms in Patients with Major Depressive Disorder
Published on: April 26, 2024
Association between age of onset and symptom profiles of late-life depression
E Corruble1, P Gorwood, B Falissard
1Department of Psychiatry, Bicêtre University Hospital, INSERM U 669, Paris XI University, Assistance Publique-Hôpitaux de Paris, Le Kremlin Bicêtre, France. emmanuelle.corruble@bct.aphp.fr
Objective:
The recognition of later late-onset (LLO) major depression (MD) is a matter of concern.
Method:
Cross-sectional study assessed MD with the MINI structured interview and the MADRS in a referred sample of 13 377 non-demented adult out-patients visiting their physicians. Among 6850 patients with a first episode of MD, 370 LLO (75 years of age and older) MD were compared with 814 late-onset (LO) (60-74 years old) MD and 5666 early-onset (EO) (18-59 years old) MD.
Results:
There are many similarities between the symptom patterns of EO, LO and LLO MDs. However, the symptom pattern of LLO MD includes more retardation/agitation, lassitude, reduced appetite and apparent sadness, and less sleep disturbances, guilt feelings, pessimism and inner tension than LO and EO MD.
Conclusion:
The differences in symptom profiles are very modest and between-group differences may not be meaningful on an individual level.
Related Concept Videos
Depressive Disorders: MDD and Dysthymia
Alzheimer Disease l: Introduction
Cognitive Development During Adulthood
Erikson's Theory on Socioemotional Development during Adulthood
Intimacy Versus Isolation in Early Adulthood
Individuals in early adulthood, from the 20s...
Depressive Disorders: Etiology
Biological Factors in Depression
Biological predispositions significantly influence the risk of developing depressive disorders. Genetic studies highlight the role of variations in the serotonin transporter...
Depression: Overview