Quality of life in depressed women over 40 years old

This study aims to determine quality of life and satisfaction in depressed Spanish women over 40 years old in the outpatient psychiatry setting. Secondarily, the association between several characteristics of depressed patients and quality of life was assessed.

Cross-sectional, descriptive study, carried out in the Spanish psychiatry setting in 2008. A total of 365 Spanish psychiatrists participated. 1069 patients older than 18 years old signed the informed consent. Depressive symptoms were assessed using the 17 Item Hamilton for Depression Rating Scale (HAM-D17). The Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Questionnaire (Q-LES-Q) scale assessed the patient’s satisfaction and life enjoyment.

Were included a total of 942 patients with the following characteristics: mean age of 52.46 years, medical comorbidity in 62.9%, and a history of psychiatric disorders in 79.6%. HAM-D17 mean score of 21.39. According to the Q-LES-Q questionnaire, Global satisfaction mean score was of 35.2%, the highest mean scores were achieved in the treatment satisfaction and the lowest mean scores in free time activities. The quality of life was influenced by the intensity of depressive symptoms and physical comorbidity.

The study results show an impairment of quality of life in depressed women attending outpatient psychiatric centers. This decrease in the quality of life is associated with depressive symptoms and medical comorbidity.