[Psychopathology in residents of homes for the aged in Amsterdam]

In this study we estimated the prevalence of dementia, affective and anxiety disorders among residents of homes for the elderly in Amsterdam. Of a sample of 3.828 residents, 954 persons were interviewed with the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE) and the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale; 324 were additionally interviewed with the Diagnostic Interview Scheme (DIS). The prevalence of dementia and of affective- and anxiety disorders is estimated to be 12.0% and 16.8%, respectively. These estimates, however, should be interpreted with caution. Analyses of the non-response group showed that about one-fourth of those who did not or could not participate in the study showed signs of dementia or other psychiatric problems. Although mental health care in homes for the elderly is underdeveloped, it should be an integral part of its health care delivery.