BJP College Seminars Series
HOME HELP FEEDBACK SUBSCRIPTIONS ARCHIVE SEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS
Psychiatric Bulletin Advances in Psychiatric Treatment All RCPsych Journals
QUICK SEARCH:   [advanced]


     

This Article
Right arrow Full Text (PDF)
Right arrow Submit an eLetter
Right arrow Alert me when this article is cited
Right arrow Alert me when eLetters are posted
Right arrow Alert me if a correction is posted
Right arrow Citation Map
Services
Right arrow Email this article to a friend
Right arrow Similar articles in this journal
Right arrow Similar articles in PubMed
Right arrow Alert me to new issues of the journal
Right arrow Download to citation manager
Citing Articles
Right arrow Citing Articles via HighWire
Right arrow Citing Articles via CrossRef
Right arrow Citing Articles via Google Scholar
Google Scholar
Right arrow Articles by Beekman, A. T.
Right arrow Articles by Prince, M. J.
Right arrow Search for Related Content
PubMed
Right arrow PubMed Citation
Right arrow Articles by Beekman, A. T.
Right arrow Articles by Prince, M. J.

The British Journal of Psychiatry 174: 307-311 (1999)
© 1999 The Royal College of Psychiatrists

Review of community prevalence of depression in later life

AT Beekman, JR Copeland and MJ Prince
Department of Psychiatry, Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

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.


This article has been cited by other articles:


Home page
 Arch Gen PsychiatryHome page
N. Vogelzangs, S. B. Kritchevsky, A. T. F. Beekman, A. B. Newman, S. Satterfield, E. M. Simonsick, K. Yaffe, T. B. Harris, and B. W. J. H. Penninx
Depressive Symptoms and Change in Abdominal Obesity in Older Persons
Arch Gen Psychiatry, December 1, 2008; 65(12): 1386 - 1393.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Arch Gen PsychiatryHome page
H. J. Luijendijk, J. F. van den Berg, M. J. H. J. Dekker, H. R. van Tuijl, W. Otte, F. Smit, A. Hofman, B. H. C. Stricker, and H. Tiemeier
Incidence and Recurrence of Late-Life Depression
Arch Gen Psychiatry, December 1, 2008; 65(12): 1394 - 1401.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 NeurologyHome page
A.G.W. van Norden, W. F. Fick, K. F. de Laat, I. W.M. van Uden, L. J.B. van Oudheusden, I. Tendolkar, M. P. Zwiers, and F. E. de Leeuw
Subjective cognitive failures and hippocampal volume in elderly with white matter lesions
Neurology, October 7, 2008; 71(15): 1152 - 1159.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 AJGPHome page
A. T. F. Beekman
Anxiety in Aging: A Newly Chartered Territory
Am J Geriatr Psychiatry, October 1, 2008; 16(10): 787 - 789.
[Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 AJGPHome page
L. Han, J. McCusker, M. Cole, M. Abrahamowicz, and R. Capek
12-Month Cognitive Outcomes of Major and Minor Depression in Older Medical Patients
Am J Geriatr Psychiatry, September 1, 2008; 16(9): 742 - 751.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 J. Neurol. Neurosurg. PsychiatryHome page
M J Bos, T Linden, P J Koudstaal, A Hofman, I Skoog, M M B Breteler, and H Tiemeier
Depressive symptoms and risk of stroke: the Rotterdam Study
J. Neurol. Neurosurg. Psychiatry, September 1, 2008; 79(9): 997 - 1001.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 J. Epidemiol. Community HealthHome page
S Rueda, L Artazcoz, and V Navarro
Health inequalities among the elderly in western Europe
J Epidemiol Community Health, June 1, 2008; 62(6): 492 - 498.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Arch Gen PsychiatryHome page
W. J. G. Hoogendijk, P. Lips, M. G. Dik, D. J. H. Deeg, A. T. F. Beekman, and B. W. J. H. Penninx
Depression Is Associated With Decreased 25-Hydroxyvitamin D and Increased Parathyroid Hormone Levels in Older Adults
Arch Gen Psychiatry, May 1, 2008; 65(5): 508 - 512.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Arch Gen PsychiatryHome page
L. Wouts, R. C. O. Voshaar, M. A. Bremmer, J. K. Buitelaar, B. W. J. H. Penninx, and A. T. F. Beekman
Cardiac Disease, Depressive Symptoms, and Incident Stroke in an Elderly Population
Arch Gen Psychiatry, May 1, 2008; 65(5): 596 - 602.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Arch Gen PsychiatryHome page
L. C. Barry, H. G. Allore, Z. Guo, M. L. Bruce, and T. M. Gill
Higher Burden of Depression Among Older Women: The Effect of Onset, Persistence, and Mortality Over Time
Arch Gen Psychiatry, February 1, 2008; 65(2): 172 - 178.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Eur J Public HealthHome page
E. K. Nihtila, P. T. Martikainen, S. V.P. Koskinen, A. R. Reunanen, A. M. Noro, and U. T. Hakkinen
Chronic conditions and the risk of long-term institutionalization among older people
Eur J Public Health, February 1, 2008; 18(1): 77 - 84.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 StrokeHome page
J. Nuyen, P. M. Spreeuwenberg, P. P. Groenewegen, G. A.M. van den Bos, and F. G. Schellevis
Impact of Preexisting Depression on Length of Stay and Discharge Destination Among Patients Hospitalized for Acute Stroke: Linked Register-Based Study
Stroke, January 1, 2008; 39(1): 132 - 138.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Br. J. PsychiatryHome page
E. CASTRO-COSTA, M. DEWEY, R. STEWART, S. BANERJEE, F. HUPPERT, C. MENDONCA-LIMA, C. BULA, F. REISCHES, J. WANCATA, K. RITCHIE, et al.
Prevalence of depressive symptoms and syndromes in later life in ten European countries: The SHARE study
The British Journal of Psychiatry, November 1, 2007; 191(5): 393 - 401.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 AM J ALZHEIMERS DIS OTHER DEMENHome page
Y.-F. Y. Lu, M. G. Austrom, S. M. Perkins, T. Bakas, M. R. Farlow, Feng He, Shelia Jin, and A. Gamst
Depressed Mood in Informal Caregivers of Individuals With Mild Cognitive Impairment
American Journal of Alzheimer's Disease and Other Dementias, September 1, 2007; 22(4): 273 - 285.
[Abstract] [PDF]

Home page
 AJGPHome page
S. L. Blay, S. B. Andreoli, G. G. Fillenbaum, and F. L. Gastal
Depression Morbidity in Later Life: Prevalence and Correlates in a Developing Country
Am J Geriatr Psychiatry, September 1, 2007; 15(9): 790 - 799.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 AJGPHome page
R. C. O. Voshaar, S. Banerjee, M. Horan, R. Baldwin, N. Pendleton, R. Proctor, N. Tarrier, Y. Woodward, and A. Burns
Predictors of Incident Depression After Hip Fracture Surgery
Am J Geriatr Psychiatry, September 1, 2007; 15(9): 807 - 814.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 AJGPHome page
P. Gorwood, E. Weiller, O. Lemming, and C. Katona
Escitalopram Prevents Relapse in Older Patients With Major Depressive Disorder
Am J Geriatr Psychiatry, July 1, 2007; 15(7): 581 - 593.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 AJGPHome page
J. N. Trollor, T. M. Anderson, P. S. Sachdev, H. Brodaty, and G. Andrews
Prevalence of Mental Disorders in the Elderly: The Australian National Mental Health and Well-Being Survey
Am J Geriatr Psychiatry, June 1, 2007; 15(6): 455 - 466.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 AJGPHome page
K. J. Anstey, C. von Sanden, K. Sargent-Cox, and M. A. Luszcz
Prevalence and Risk Factors for Depression in a Longitudinal, Population-Based Study Including Individuals in the Community and Residential Care
Am J Geriatr Psychiatry, June 1, 2007; 15(6): 497 - 505.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 J Aging HealthHome page
Yuri Jang, E. Bergman, L. Schonfeld, and V. Molinari
The Mediating Role of Health Perceptions in the Relation Between Physical and Mental Health: A Study of Older Residents in Assisted Living Facilities
J Aging Health, June 1, 2007; 19(3): 439 - 452.
[Abstract] [PDF]

Home page
 J. Gerontol. A Biol. Sci. Med. Sci.Home page
N. Vogelzangs, A. T. F. Beekman, S. B. Kritchevsky, A. B. Newman, M. Pahor, K. Yaffe, S. M. Rubin, T. B. Harris, S. Satterfield, E. M. Simonsick, et al.
Psychosocial Risk Factors and the Metabolic Syndrome in Elderly Persons: Findings From the Health, Aging and Body Composition Study
J. Gerontol. A Biol. Sci. Med. Sci., May 1, 2007; 62(5): 563 - 569.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Arch Intern MedHome page
D. Inzitari, M. Simoni, G. Pracucci, A. Poggesi, A. M. Basile, H. Chabriat, T. Erkinjuntti, F. Fazekas, J. M. Ferro, M. Hennerici, et al.
Risk of Rapid Global Functional Decline in Elderly Patients With Severe Cerebral Age-Related White Matter Changes: The LADIS Study
Arch Intern Med, January 8, 2007; 167(1): 81 - 88.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 AJGPHome page
E. Costa, S. M. Barreto, E. Uchoa, J. O. A. Firmo, M. F. Lima-Costa, and M. Prince
Prevalence of International Classification of Diseases, 10th Revision Common Mental Disorders in the Elderly in a Brazilian Community: The Bambui Health Ageing Study
Am J Geriatr Psychiatry, January 1, 2007; 15(1): 17 - 27.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Am. J. PsychiatryHome page
R. A. Schoevers, F. Smit, D. J.H. Deeg, P. Cuijpers, J. Dekker, W. van Tilburg, and A. T.F. Beekman
Prevention of Late-Life Depression in Primary Care: Do We Know Where to Begin?
Am J Psychiatry, September 1, 2006; 163(9): 1611 - 1621.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Age AgeingHome page
D. R. Petty, A. House, P. Knapp, T. Raynor, and A. Zermansky
Prevalence, duration and indications for prescribing of antidepressants in primary care
Age Ageing, September 1, 2006; 35(5): 523 - 526.
[Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Educational and Psychological MeasurementHome page
D. X. Marquez, E. McAuley, R. W. Motl, S. Elavsky, J. F. Konopack, G. J. Jerome, and A. F. Kramer
Validation of Geriatric Depression Scale-5 Scores Among Sedentary Older Adults
Educational and Psychological Measurement, August 1, 2006; 66(4): 667 - 675.
[Abstract] [PDF]

Home page
 RadiologyHome page
W. Mlekusch, I. Mlekusch, E. Minar, M. Haumer, C. W. Kopp, R. Ahmadi, J. Lehrner, and M. Schillinger
Is There Improvement of "Vascular Depression" after Carotid Artery Stent Placement?
Radiology, August 1, 2006; 240(2): 508 - 514.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 StrokeHome page
M. L. Hackett, C. S. Anderson, and on behalf of the Auckland Regional Community Strok
Frequency, Management, and Predictors of Abnormal Mood After Stroke: The Auckland Regional Community Stroke (ARCOS) Study, 2002 to 2003
Stroke, August 1, 2006; 37(8): 2123 - 2128.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Fam PractHome page
H. Burroughs, K. Lovell, M. Morley, R. Baldwin, A. Burns, and C. Chew-Graham
'Justifiable depression': how primary care professionals and patients view late-life depression? a qualitative study
Fam. Pract., June 1, 2006; 23(3): 369 - 377.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Scand J Public HealthHome page
K. Larsson and M. Thorslund
Chapter 8: Old people's health
Scand J Public Health, June 1, 2006; 34(67_suppl): 185 - 198.
[PDF]

Home page
 StrokeHome page
M. L. Hackett and C. S. Anderson
Predictors of Depression after Stroke: A Systematic Review of Observational Studies
Stroke, October 1, 2005; 36(10): 2296 - 2301.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 J. Gerontol. A Biol. Sci. Med. Sci.Home page
H.-K. Kuo, F. A. Sorond, J.-H. Chen, A. Hashmi, W. P. Milberg, and L. A. Lipsitz
The Role of Homocysteine in Multisystem Age-Related Problems: A Systematic Review
J. Gerontol. A Biol. Sci. Med. Sci., September 1, 2005; 60(9): 1190 - 1201.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 AJGPHome page
M. P. Chopra, C. Zubritsky, K. Knott, T. T. Have, T. Hadley, J. C. Coyne, and D. W. Oslin
Importance of Subsyndromal Symptoms of Depression in Elderly Patients
Am J Geriatr Psychiatry, July 1, 2005; 13(7): 597 - 606.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 GerontologistHome page
A. M. Pot, D. J. H. Deeg, J. W. R. Twisk, A. T. F. Beekman, and S. H. Zarit
The Longitudinal Relationship Between the Use of Long-Term Care and Depressive Symptoms in Older Adults
Gerontologist, June 1, 2005; 45(3): 359 - 369.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 StrokeHome page
M. L. Hackett, C. Yapa, V. Parag, and C. S. Anderson
Frequency of Depression After Stroke: A Systematic Review of Observational Studies
Stroke, June 1, 2005; 36(6): 1330 - 1340.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 AJGPHome page
R. A. Schoevers, D.J.H. Deeg, W. van Tilburg, and A.T.F. Beekman
Depression and Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Co-Occurrence and Longitudinal Patterns in Elderly Patients
Am J Geriatr Psychiatry, January 1, 2005; 13(1): 31 - 39.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 J Aging HealthHome page
K. Larsson, M. Thorslund, and Y. Forsell
Dementia and Depressive Symptoms as Predictors of Home Help Utilization Among the Oldest Old: Population-Based Study in an Urban Area of Sweden
J Aging Health, November 1, 2004; 16(5): 641 - 668.
[Abstract] [PDF]

Home page
 J Geriatr Psychiatry NeurolHome page
A. F. G. Leentjens
Depression in Parkinson's Disease: Conceptual Issues and Clinical Challenges
J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol, September 1, 2004; 17(3): 120 - 126.
[Abstract] [PDF]

Home page
 J. Gerontol. A Biol. Sci. Med. Sci.Home page
H.-K. Kuo and L. A. Lipsitz
Cerebral White Matter Changes and Geriatric Syndromes: Is There a Link?
J. Gerontol. A Biol. Sci. Med. Sci., August 1, 2004; 59(8): M818 - M826.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 BMJHome page
C. Chew-Graham, R. Baldwin, and A. Burns
Treating depression in later life
BMJ, July 24, 2004; 329(7459): 181 - 182.
[Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Am. J. PsychiatryHome page
K. M. Langa, M. A. Valenstein, A. M. Fendrick, M. U. Kabeto, and S. Vijan
Extent and Cost of Informal Caregiving for Older Americans With Symptoms of Depression
Am J Psychiatry, May 1, 2004; 161(5): 857 - 863.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Arch Gen PsychiatryHome page
H. Tiemeier, W. van Dijck, A. Hofman, J. C. M. Witteman, T. Stijnen, and M. M. B. Breteler
Relationship Between Atherosclerosis and Late-Life Depression: The Rotterdam Study
Arch Gen Psychiatry, April 1, 2004; 61(4): 369 - 376.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Adv. Psychiatr. Treat.Home page
R. Baldwin and R. Wild
Management of depression in later life
Advan. Psychiatr. Treat., March 1, 2004; 10(2): 131 - 139.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Am. J. Clin. Nutr.Home page
H. Tiemeier, H R. van Tuijl, A. Hofman, A. J Kiliaan, and M. M. Breteler
Plasma fatty acid composition and depression are associated in the elderly: the Rotterdam Study
Am. J. Clinical Nutrition, July 1, 2003; 78(1): 40 - 46.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Am. J. PsychiatryHome page
L. S. Schneider, J. C. Nelson, C. M. Clary, P. Newhouse, K. R. R. Krishnan, T. Shiovitz, K. Weihs, and the Sertraline Elderly Depression Study Group
An 8-Week Multicenter, Parallel-Group, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study of Sertraline in Elderly Outpatients With Major Depression
Am J Psychiatry, July 1, 2003; 160(7): 1277 - 1285.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Br. J. PsychiatryHome page
K. C. M. WILSON, P. G. MOTTRAM, L. ASHWORTH, and M. T. ABOU-SALEH
Older community residents with depression: long-term treatment with sertraline: Randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled study
The British Journal of Psychiatry, June 1, 2003; 182(6): 492 - 497.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 J. Gerontol. A Biol. Sci. Med. Sci.Home page
D. G. Blazer
Depression in Late Life: Review and Commentary
J. Gerontol. A Biol. Sci. Med. Sci., March 1, 2003; 58(3): M249 - 265.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Am. J. PsychiatryHome page
H. Tiemeier, H. R. van Tuijl, A. Hofman, J. Meijer, A. J. Kiliaan, and M. M.B. Breteler
Vitamin B12, Folate, and Homocysteine in Depression: The Rotterdam Study
Am J Psychiatry, December 1, 2002; 159(12): 2099 - 2101.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 J. Neurol. Neurosurg. PsychiatryHome page
S Davis, A Thomas, R Perry, A Oakley, R N Kalaria, and J T O'Brien
Glial fibrillary acidic protein in late life major depressive disorder: an immunocytochemical study
J. Neurol. Neurosurg. Psychiatry, November 1, 2002; 73(5): 556 - 560.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Psychosom. Med.Home page
K. J. Anstey and M. A. Luszcz
Mortality Risk Varies According to Gender and Change in Depressive Status in Very Old Adults
Psychosom Med, November 1, 2002; 64(6): 880 - 888.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Postgrad. Med. J.Home page
S J Allsup and M A Gosney
Anxiety and depression in an older research population and their impact on clinical outcomes in a randomised controlled trial
Postgrad. Med. J., November 1, 2002; 78(925): 674 - 677.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Arch Gen PsychiatryHome page
A. T. F. Beekman, S. W. Geerlings, D. J. H. Deeg, J. H. Smit, R. S. Schoevers, E. de Beurs, A. W. Braam, B. W. J. H. Penninx, and W. van Tilburg
The Natural History of Late-Life Depression: A 6-Year Prospective Study in the Community
Arch Gen Psychiatry, July 1, 2002; 59(7): 605 - 611.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Br. J. PsychiatryHome page
R. KLYSNER, J. BENT-HANSEN, H. L. HANSEN, M. LUNDE, E. PLEIDRUP, D. L. POULSEN, M. ANDERSEN, and H. E. H. PETERSEN
Efficacy of citalopram in the prevention of recurrent depression in elderly patients: placebo-controlled study of maintenance therapy
The British Journal of Psychiatry, July 1, 2002; 181(1): 29 - 35.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 AJGPHome page
H. Lavretsky and A. Kumar
Clinically Significant Non-Major Depression: Old Concepts, New Insights
Am J Geriatr Psychiatry, June 1, 2002; 10(3): 239 - 255.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 AJGPHome page
J. W. Kasckow, J. Welge, B. T. Carroll, A. Thalassinos, and S. Mohamed
Citalopram Treatment of Minor Depression in Elderly Men: An Open Pilot Study
Am J Geriatr Psychiatry, June 1, 2002; 10(3): 344 - 347.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 J Geriatr Psychiatry NeurolHome page
I. Kujala, B. Rosenvinge, and S. I. Bekkelund
Clinical Outcome and Adverse Effects of Electroconvulsive Therapy in Elderly Psychiatric Patients
J Geriatr Psychiatry Neurol, June 1, 2002; 15(2): 73 - 76.
[Abstract] [PDF]

Home page
 StrokeHome page
D. Jakovljevic and J. Tuomilehto
Use of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors and the Risk of Stroke: Is There Reason for Concern?
Stroke, June 1, 2002; 33(6): 1448 - 1449.
[Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 J. Gerontol. A Biol. Sci. Med. Sci.Home page
N. Minicuci, S. Maggi, M. Pavan, G. Enzi, and G. Crepaldi
Prevalence Rate and Correlates of Depressive Symptoms in Older Individuals: The Veneto Study
J. Gerontol. A Biol. Sci. Med. Sci., March 1, 2002; 57(3): M155 - 161.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Br. J. PsychiatryHome page
S. FAZEL, T. HOPE, I. O'DONNELL, and R. JACOBY
Hidden psychiatric morbidity in elderly prisoners
The British Journal of Psychiatry, December 1, 2001; 179(6): 535 - 539.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 Br. J. PsychiatryHome page
E. DE BEURS, A. BEEKMAN, S. GEERLINGS, D. DEEG, R. VAN DYCK, and W. VAN TILBURG
On becoming depressed or anxious in late life: similar vulnerability factors but different effects of stressful life events
The British Journal of Psychiatry, November 1, 2001; 179(5): 426 - 431.
[Abstract] [Full Text] [PDF]

Home page
 AJGP