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Measuring depressive symptoms in the frail elderly
H Davidson1, P H Feldman, S Crawford
1School of Public Health, Harvard University, Massachusetts.
Journal of Gerontology
|July 1, 1994
Summary
The Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) accurately measures depressive symptoms in frail elderly individuals. Its four-factor structure is reliable, even with functional limitations.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Psychological Assessment
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Assessing depressive symptoms in frail and disabled elderly populations is crucial.
- The Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) is a widely used instrument.
- Its validity in specific elderly subgroups requires examination.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) for measuring depressive symptoms in frail, disabled elderly.
- To confirm the four-factor structure and a single second-order factor of the CES-D in this population.
Main Methods:
- First- and second-order confirmatory factor analysis was performed on CES-D data.
- The study examined the contribution of the somatic factor and its relation to demographic and functional variables.
Main Results:
- The four-factor structure of the CES-D was replicated in frail elderly individuals.
- Scores were not distorted by somatic items; age and health did not disproportionately affect the somatic subscale.
- Functional limitations correlated with higher somatic symptom scores.
Conclusions:
- The Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) is a valid and appropriate tool for assessing depressive symptoms in the frail elderly.
- The scale's factor structure remains robust in this demographic.
- Somatic symptoms are particularly relevant in relation to functional limitations.