Sachin1, Anand P. Ambali2, Shashikant3
BACKGROUND: Growth in elderly population has led to an increase in age related diseases and mainly depression which is affecting the quality of life. Depression is more prevalent amongst elderly individuals with medical illnesses and emerging public health problem leading to increased morbidity and disability worldwide
AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To assess the prevalence of occult depression in elderly patients with chronic co-morbid medical conditions.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: It was a cross-sectional study conducted in tertiary hospital. Total 100 elderly patients with underlying chronic medical illnesses were included. Depression in study population was assessed by geriatric depression scale and analyzed.
RESULT: Out of 100 patients 23(23%) had depression. Females 12/39(30.76%) were affected more than males 11/61 (18.03%). Depression was more prevalent among patients with 3 or more co-morbid conditions (45.4%) as compared to <3 (11.9%).
CONCLUSION: Elderly patients with multiple chronic medical illnesses may have associated occult depression. Screening of these patients for depression coupled with appropriate psychiatric referral should be an integral part of Geriatric service.
