DEPRESSION IN THE ELDERLY PATIENTS ADMITTED TO THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT: A MULTICENTER STUDY

Introduction: To investigate the prevalence and characteristics of depression in geriatric patients admitted to the emergency department (ED), and to determine the factors concerning depression. Materials and Method: This prospective study was carried out on 512 consecutive elderly patients over or equal to 65 years of age referred to EDs of three different centers during the six-month study period. The Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) was used for the recognition of depression. Sociodemographic data and information needed to highlight depression status were collected via datasheets prepared for the study. Results: Scores obtained from GDS were assigned into groups regarding severity of illness: 35.3% of the patients (n=181) were found normal, 48.4% of the patients (n=248) were interpreted as mildly depressed and severe depression was considered in 16.2% of the patients (n=81). Mean GDS score determined in the normal patient group is 5.6 +/- 2.4 (range: 0 and 9). Mean scores of the mildly depressive patients were found to be 14.7 +/- 2.4 (range:10 and 26) while those of the severely depressed patients were found as 23.5 +/- 2.2 (range: 20 and 28). A significant relationship was determined between depression, and chronic disease, frequency of ED visit and psychiatric treatments. Conclusion: Depression in the elderly with underlying comorbid illnesses becomes more complex to recognize and treat. Depressive symptoms of patients are attributed to patients' current diseases and depression is often unnoticed.