1. An archival study of depression before and after age 55.
- Author
-
Wesner RB and Winokur G
- Subjects
- Adolescent, Adult, Bipolar Disorder genetics, Depressive Disorder genetics, Depressive Disorder, Major genetics, Female, Follow-Up Studies, Humans, Male, Middle Aged, Recurrence, Risk Factors, Somatoform Disorders psychology, Suicide psychology, Bipolar Disorder psychology, Depressive Disorder psychology, Depressive Disorder, Major psychology
- Abstract
In this archival study, 58 patients with unipolar depression who were 55 years of age or older were compared to 155 depressed control patients age 54 years or less. The older patients with unipolar depression had a significantly worse outcome, with only 51.7% experiencing a period of full remission during follow-up. Medical disorders were common, and older depressed patients showed a clear excess of cardiovascular disorders. Clinical symptoms did not separate the two groups, with the exception of psychomotor retardation and agitation. Electroconvulsive therapy was associated with less continuous hospitalization and an overall superior outcome.
- Published
- 1988
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