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Intended for Healthcare Professionals
British Journal of General Practice

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Original Papers

Prevalence of depression in general practice patients over 75 years of age

M.A. Jack, S.A. Stobo, L.A. Scott, A. Sahgal and S.J. Jachuck
The Journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners 1988; 38 (306): 20-21.
M.A. Jack
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S.A. Stobo
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L.A. Scott
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A. Sahgal
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S.J. Jachuck
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Abstract

The prevalence of depression among 74 male and 211 female patients aged 75 years or over registered with a group general practice was assessed, using the geriatric depression scale. Test scores of 0- 10, suggesting no depressive illness, were observed in 63 (85%) men and 172 (82%) women. Mild depression (scores 11-20) was observed in 10 (14%) men and 36(17%) women and severe depression (scores 21-30) in one (1%) man and three (1%) women. No significant statistical association was found with age or sex, suggesting that elderly men and women are equally prone to depression.

A general practitioner found clinical manifestations of depression in 29 of the patients (10%). The geriatric depression scale scores were compared with clinical diagnoses of depression. Those with high scores were more likely to be depressed and vice versa. Thirty two elderly patients (11%) with no clinical manifestation of depression recorded high scores on the geriatric depression scale. These patients may be described as `psychiatric cases'. Uncertainty about the importance of early identification of these cases necessitates further screening and regular follow-up of elderly patients.

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The Journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners: 38 (306)
The Journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners
Vol. 38, Issue 306
January 1988
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Prevalence of depression in general practice patients over 75 years of age
M.A. Jack, S.A. Stobo, L.A. Scott, A. Sahgal, S.J. Jachuck
The Journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners 1988; 38 (306): 20-21.

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Prevalence of depression in general practice patients over 75 years of age
M.A. Jack, S.A. Stobo, L.A. Scott, A. Sahgal, S.J. Jachuck
The Journal of the Royal College of General Practitioners 1988; 38 (306): 20-21.
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Print ISSN: 0960-1643
Online ISSN: 1478-5242