Depression and mortality in nursing homes

Nursing homes have become an important focus of care of the elderly as the number of chronic medical and neurological disorders in that growing population increases. There are currently 1.5 million older persons living in nursing homes, and this number should double over the next 30 years. The early diagnosis of conditions that can be treated is important. Depression can impair physical and social functions in patients with chronic disorders, but it can be treated. The incidence of depression in the community population ranges from 0.9 to 14.7 percent and is associated with increased rates of death. The prevalence of depression and its relation to death rates in nursing homes are not clearly known. One study showed that 67.4 percent of patients in nursing homes suffered from dementia, a condition characterized by impaired intellectual function, and 21 percent experienced delusions. Mental disorders in nursing homes are often incorrectly diagnosed. The prevalence of depressive disorders and their relation to death rate in nursing homes were assessed in 454 nursing home residents over a one-year period. Depressive disorders were diagnosed in 12.6 percent of patients and depressive symptoms were detected in 18.1 percent. Most cases had not been recognized by physicians and had not been treated. Major depressive disorders increased the probability of death by 59 percent. These findings show that depression is prevalent among nursing home residents, but can be treated. Since depression is a risk factor for death, early diagnosis of this mental disorder is essential. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)