Search

The Male Depression Risk Scale (MDRS-22) is a self-report scale that assesses externalising and male-typical depression symptoms with promising psychometric properties reported in young-to-middle aged men. However, studies are yet to consider the psychometric properties of the MDRS-22 in older men. This study examined the psychometric properties of the MDRS-22 in both younger and older males and its relationship to prototypic depression symptoms and self-reported depression history. A community sample of younger (n = 510; 18–64 years) and older (n = 439; 65–93 years) males completed the original 82 MDRS items from which the MDRS-22 was derived, the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), and provided information regarding previous depression diagnoses. Exploratory and confirmatory factor analyses were used to examine factor structure. Generalised linear models examined the relationship between externalised and male-typical symptoms with prototypic depression symptoms in younger and older men. Model fit indices demonstrated that the MDRS-22 performs well in older males. Results also revealed that the MDRS-22 is associated with prototypic depression symptoms and a previous depression diagnosis in both age groups. Results support the psychometric validity of the MDRS-22 as a measure of externalising and male-typical depression symptoms in older men. Use of scales such as the MDRS-22 may help to improve the detection of depression in men across the lifespan and may also identify factors that put men at risk of poor physical and mental health outcomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Objectives: To quantitatively review the literature comparing depressed mood, anxiety and psychological distress in caregivers (CGs) of older adults with Alzheimer's disease (AD) with non-caregivers (NCGs) Methods: Eighteen independent studies comparing AD CGs (N = 2378) with NCGs (N = 70,035) were evaluated in accordance with the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) guidelines. Standardised mean differences (Hedges' g) with associated 95% confidence intervals and p-values were calculated using a random-effects model. Results: Studies generally conformed to STROBE criteria in terms of their methodological and procedural detail, although data management issues that may contribute to methodological bias were identified. Pooled effect estimates revealed medium to large group differences in depression (gw = 1.01 [CI: 0.73, 1.29] p < 0.01) and anxiety (gw = 0.64 [CI: 0.39, 0.89] p < 0.01): AD caregivers reported higher symptom severity. Gender was a significant moderator: female caregivers experienced poor self-reported mood (gw = 1.58 [CI: 1.11, 2.05], p < 0.01), although this analysis was limited in power given the small number of contributing studies. Discussion: Caregivers of patients with AD experience poor mental health in comparison to the general population, with female caregivers being disproportionately affected. Further exploration of the psychosocial variables that contribute to these group differences is needed to inform effective support services and, in turn, help caregivers manage the emotional demands of AD. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]