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Depression in geriatric ED patients: prevalence and recognition
S W Meldon1, C L Emerman, D S Schubert
1Department of Emergency Medicine, MetroHealth Medical Center, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH 44109, USA.
Annals of Emergency Medicine
|August 1, 1997
Summary
Geriatric emergency department (ED) patients have a high prevalence of depression, with emergency physicians failing to recognize it in most cases. Brief depression screening tools can improve detection and facilitate timely treatment for older adults.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Medicine
- Emergency Medicine
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Depression is a common and serious condition in older adults.
- Geriatric patients frequently present to emergency departments (EDs).
- Recognition of depression in the ED setting is often challenging.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence of depression among geriatric patients in an ED.
- To assess the accuracy of emergency physicians in recognizing depression in these patients.
Main Methods:
- An observational survey was conducted in an urban, university-affiliated ED.
- 259 geriatric patients (aged 65+) completed a brief, self-rated depression scale.
- Physician recognition was assessed via chart review.
Main Results:
- 27% of geriatric ED patients screened positive for depression.
- Depression was more prevalent in nursing home residents (47%) and those reporting poor health (51%).
- Emergency physicians failed to recognize depression in 100% of depressed patients identified by the scale.
Conclusions:
- Unrecognized depression is highly prevalent in geriatric ED populations, particularly those with poor self-reported health.
- Implementing brief depression screening scales can enhance detection.
- Improved recognition can lead to appropriate referrals and treatment for geriatric depression.