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Depression and mortality in medically ill older adults
Journal of the American Geriatrics Society
|March 1, 1997
Summary
Major depressive disorder significantly increases mortality risk in older, medically ill veterans. Continuous depression is linked to higher death rates over 30 months, impacting survival outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Psychiatry
- Internal Medicine
Background:
- Older adults, particularly those with medical conditions, are at risk for depression.
- Depression in this population may affect health outcomes and survival.
- Understanding the link between depression and mortality in medically ill veterans is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the influence of major depressive disorder on the survival of older, medically ill veterans.
- To identify factors predicting mortality in this cohort.
Main Methods:
- A 30-month follow-up study of 100 older veterans (age > 65) with medical illnesses.
- Participants were recruited from a Veterans Affairs Medical Center, with half diagnosed with depression.
- Key measures included medical illness severity, functional status, social support, depression status, and survival at 30 months.
Main Results:
- Mortality at 30 months was predicted by medical illness severity and depression.
- Veterans with continuous depression had the highest mortality, while those who recovered had intermediate survival rates.
- Depression treatment and withholding/withdrawing life-sustaining treatments did not significantly alter outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Major depression is a persistent risk factor for mortality in older, medically ill hospitalized veterans.
- The presence and persistence of depression significantly impact long-term survival.
- Further research into managing depression in this vulnerable population is warranted.