Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 26, 2026
07:57
A New Method for Inducing a Depression-Like Behavior in Rats
Published on: February 22, 2018
Late-life depressive symptoms: an international study
Gerald J Jogerst1, Shimin Zheng, Elena V Frolova
1Department of Family Medicine, University of Iowa Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, IA 52242-1097, USA. gerald-jogerst@uiowa.edu
Family Practice
|December 8, 2011
Summary
Depressive symptoms are more prevalent in Russia compared to Korea and the US. However, these symptoms have a lesser impact on daily functioning in Russian participants, suggesting cultural or environmental influences.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Cross-Cultural Psychiatry
- Public Health
Background:
- Depressive symptoms are a significant concern in aging populations worldwide.
- Understanding cross-cultural variations in depression prevalence and impact is crucial for effective healthcare delivery.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate differences in depressive symptoms among older adults in Korea, Russia, and the USA.
- To compare sociodemographic and health-related variables associated with depressive symptoms.
- To report the impact of depressive symptoms on daily activities across these countries.
Main Methods:
- A cross-sectional study involving 1115 patients aged 60-93 years.
- Utilized self-administered questionnaires and the Patient Health Questionnaire-9 (PHQ-9) diagnostic survey.
- Participants were recruited from primary care clinics in Korea, Russia, and the USA.
Main Results:
- Prevalence of mild depression (PHQ-9 score ≥ 5) was 28% in Koreans, 65% in Russians, and 27% in US participants.
- Russians reported higher depression scores and suicidal thoughts, while Koreans reported less worthlessness.
- Poorer self-rated health, chronic diseases, and female gender were associated with depression across all groups. Employment, marital status, and older age showed protective effects in specific countries, while vascular disease was linked to depression in Russia.
Conclusions:
- Depressive symptoms are more common in Russia than in Korea and the USA.
- Despite higher prevalence, depressive symptoms had a lesser impact on daily functioning in Russian participants.
- Cultural or environmental factors may explain the observed differences in the impact of depression on daily life.
Related Concept Videos
01:27Depressive Disorders: MDD and Dysthymia
Depressive disorders are a group of mental health conditions characterized by pervasive feelings of sadness, diminished pleasure in life, and a significant impact on daily functioning. These conditions are most prevalent in individuals during their 30s and affect women at twice the rate of men. Contrary to popular belief, younger individuals are generally more susceptible to these disorders than older adults. Two key types of depressive disorders include Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and...
01:03Long-term Depression
Long-term depression, or LTD, is one of the ways by which synaptic plasticity—changes in the strength of chemical synapses—can occur in the brain. LTD is the process of synaptic weakening that occurs over time between pre and postsynaptic neuronal connections. The synaptic weakening of LTD works in opposition to synaptic strengthening by long-term potentiation (LTP) and together are the main mechanisms that underlie learning and memory.
Calcium Ion Concentration Mechanism
If over time, all...
Calcium Ion Concentration Mechanism
If over time, all...
01:05Long-term Depression
Long-term depression, or LTD, is one of the ways by which synaptic plasticity—changes in the strength of chemical synapses—can occur in the brain. LTD is the process of synaptic weakening that occurs over time between pre and postsynaptic neuronal connections. The synaptic weakening of LTD works in opposition to synaptic strengthening by long-term potentiation (LTP) and together are the main mechanisms that underlie learning and memory.
01:27Depressive Disorders: Etiology
Depressive disorders result from a complex interplay of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors, each contributing uniquely to the development and persistence of the condition. Understanding these factors provides critical insight into the multifaceted nature of depression.
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...
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...
01:18Depression: Overview
Depression is a prevalent mental illness marked by persistent sadness and lack of interest in previously enjoyable activities. It can take several forms, including major depression, persistent depressive disorder, and bipolar I and II disorders. Symptoms range from emotional changes like chronic worry to physical changes like sleep disturbances and suicidal thoughts. From a neurobiological perspective, depression is believed to be triggered by abnormalities in the brain's prefrontal cortex,...
01:30Negative and Cognitive Symptoms of Schizophrenia
Negative symptoms of schizophrenia indicate a reduction or absence of typical behaviors and emotional responses found in healthy individuals, while positive symptoms reflect an excess or distortion of normal functioning.
Negative Symptoms
Negative symptoms of schizophrenia manifest as deficits in normal emotional and behavioral functioning, profoundly impacting daily life. Individuals with schizophrenia often display a flat affect, characterized by a near-total absence of emotional expression,...
Negative Symptoms
Negative symptoms of schizophrenia manifest as deficits in normal emotional and behavioral functioning, profoundly impacting daily life. Individuals with schizophrenia often display a flat affect, characterized by a near-total absence of emotional expression,...