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Personality disorder symptoms and functioning in elderly depressed patients
R C Abrams1, L A Spielman, G S Alexopoulos
1New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center, White Plains 10605, USA.
Summary
Personality disorder symptoms are linked to disability and poor social functioning in older adults with depression. Addressing these symptoms may improve daily living and relationships for geriatric patients.
Area of Science:
- Geriatric Psychiatry
- Clinical Psychology
Background:
- Geriatric depression is a significant public health concern.
- Understanding factors influencing functional recovery in elderly patients with depression is crucial.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between personality disorder symptoms and disability.
- To examine the impact of personality disorder symptoms on social and interpersonal functioning in geriatric depression.
Main Methods:
- A cohort of 47 elderly patients with major depression in varying remission states were assessed.
- Measures included personality disorder symptoms, cognitive, affective, social, interpersonal, medical, and socioeconomic factors.
- Instrumental Activities of Daily Living (IADL) status was also evaluated.
Main Results:
- Higher personality disorder scores correlated with lower IADL, reduced sociability, and fewer satisfying relationships.
- These associations were more pronounced in patients with low residual depression.
- Personality disorder symptoms showed a significant inverse relationship with overall functioning.
Conclusions:
- Personality disorder symptoms are associated with functional disability and impaired social/interpersonal functioning in elderly individuals post-depression.
- These findings suggest potential treatment implications for personality disorder symptoms in geriatric depression management.
- Early identification and intervention for personality disorder traits may enhance recovery and quality of life.