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The Prognosis of Depression in Old Age

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 January 2018

R. C. Baldwin  and
D. J. Jolley
R. C. Baldwin*
Affiliation:
Psychogeriatric Medicine (now Consultant Psychogeriatrician, Manchester Royal Infirmary)
D. J. Jolley
Affiliation:
Psychogeriatric Medicine Psychogeriatric Unit, University Hospital of South Manchester, West Didsbury, Manchester, M20 8LR
*
∗ Correspondence
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Extract

The initial features and progress of depressive symptomatology over 42 to 104 months are presented for 100 elderly patients admitted with severe, non-neurotic depressive states; none had experienced a previous hypomanie episode. Sixty per cent either remained well throughout or had further episodes followed by full recovery; only 7% suffered continuous depressive symptoms. Of potential prognostic factors, only male sex and poor physical health, both at presentation and developing subsequently, were associated with poorer outcomes. The view is supported that treatment with well established methods achieves worthwhile and sustained improvement for most patients.

Type
Papers
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 149 , Issue 5 , November 1986 , pp. 574 - 583
Copyright
Copyright © 1986 The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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