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Review of community prevalence of depression in later life

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

A. T. F. Beekman ,
John Copeland  and
M. J. Prince
A. T. F. Beekman*
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
John Copeland
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, Institute of Human Ageing, University of Liverpool, Liverpool
M. J. Prince
Affiliation:
Epidemiology Unit, London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine, London
*
Aartjan Beekman, Department of Psychiatry, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, PCA-Valeriusclinic, Valeriusplein 9, 1075 BG Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Abstract

Background

Despite considerable interest, there is no consensus regarding the prevalence of depression in later life.

Aims

To assess the prevalence of late-life depression in the community.

Method

A systematic review of community-based studies of the prevalence of depression in later life (55+). Literature was analysed by level of caseness at which depression was defined and measured.

Results

Thirty-four studies eligible for inclusion were found. The reported prevalence rates vary enormously (0.4–35%). Arranged according to level of caseness, major depression is relatively rare among the elderly (weighted average prevalence 1.8%), minor depression is more common (weighted average prevalence 9.8%), while all depressive syndromes deemed clinically relevant yield an average prevalence of 13.5%. There is consistent evidence for higher prevalence rates for women and among older people living under adverse socio-economic circumstances.

Conclusions

Depression is common in later life. Methodological differences between studies preclude firm conclusions about cross-cultural and geographical variation. Improving the comparability of epidemiological research constitutes an important step forward.

Type
Eurodep Study
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 174 , Issue 4 , April 1999 , pp. 307 - 311
Copyright
Copyright © 1999 The Royal College of Psychiatrists 

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Footnotes

Declaration of interest

The European Commission BIOMEDI Initiative funded this Concerted Action Programme.

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