Abstract

VON MUHLENBROCK S, Friedrich et al. Late life depression prevalence in patients admitted to an Internal Medicine Service. Rev. chil. neuro-psiquiatr. [online]. 2011, vol.49, n.4, pp. 331-337. ISSN 0717-9227.  doi: 10.4067/S0717-92272011000400004.

Background: Depression (ICD-10 F33) is highly prevailing in general population, especially among elderly patients. It is associated with an increase of morbidity and mortality. In 1996, an study of elderly depression in the Military Hospital ofSantiago showed a prevalence of 28,4% in admitted patients. Objectives: To describe the prevalence oflate life depression in patients admitted to an Internal Medicine Service. Methods: Patients were interviewed between 06-022009 and 09-06-2009. Inclusion criteria: Elder than 60 years old and admitted in the last 24 hours. Exclusion criteria: Pfeiffer > 3, Glasgow < 15, aphasias, VAS > 5, mental and terminal illness. Results: 131 patients were interviewed, 64 women and 67 men, mean age of 74,35 (DE 8,23) years old. Depression Prevalence was 22,13% (29), 28,12% (18) in women and 16,41% (11) in men. Discussions: Late life depression in patients admitted to an Internal Medicine Service is common and often undetected or undertreated.

Keywords : Depression; Elderly; Prevalence; Hospitalized; Internal Medicine.