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Subthreshold depressive and anxiety disorders in the elderly

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  16 April 2020

R. Heun ,
A. Papassotiropoulos  and
U. Ptok
R. Heun
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, University of Bonn, Venusberg,D-53105Bonn, Germany
A. Papassotiropoulos
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, University of Bonn, Venusberg,D-53105Bonn, Germany
U. Ptok*
Affiliation:
Department of Psychiatry, University of Bonn, Venusberg,D-53105Bonn, Germany
*
*Correspondence and reprints
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Summary

The aims of the present study were to compare the current and lifetime prevalences for major and subthreshold affective disorders in elderly subjects in the general population, to assess the influence of demographic variables on prevalence rates, and to examine co-morbidity between these disorders. Major and subthreshold disorders were diagnosed in 286 subjects (aged ≥ 60 years). Four-point-nine percent of the subjects had a lifetime diagnosis of major depression, 31.8% either minor or recurrent brief depression, 6.6% a major anxiety disorder, and 18.5% a subthreshold anxiety disorder. The risk for current and lifetime subthreshold anxiety was higher in females than in males, the lifetime prevalence for subthreshold anxiety disorders was increased in elderly subjects and subjects with low professional levels. Increased co-morbidity between major and subthreshold depressive and anxiety disorders could not be observed. In the elderly, subthreshold depressive and anxiety disorders are frequent, more so than major affective disorders. The presence of subthreshold anxiety disorders, but not subthreshold depression, is influenced by age, gender, and previous professional level. Further research focusing on detection, evaluation of risk factors and the relevance for the quality of life in the elderly general population is needed.

Keywords

anxiety disorderdepressionsubthreshold anxiety disorderssubthreshold depression
Type
Original Article
Information
European Psychiatry , Volume 15 , Issue 3 , May 2000 , pp. 173 - 182
Copyright
Copyright © Éditions scientifiques et médicales Elsevier SAS 2000

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