Research Article

Prevalence of depression and anxiety symptoms in elderly patients admitted in post-acute intermediate care

  1. A. M. Yohannes1,*,
  2. R. C. Baldwin2,
  3. M. J. Connolly3

Article first published online: 6 MAY 2008

DOI: 10.1002/gps.2041

Issue

International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry

International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry

Volume 23, Issue 11, pages 1141–1147, November 2008

Additional Information

How to Cite

Yohannes, A. M., Baldwin, R. C. and Connolly, M. J. (2008), Prevalence of depression and anxiety symptoms in elderly patients admitted in post-acute intermediate care. International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, 23: 1141–1147. doi: 10.1002/gps.2041

Author Information

  1. 1

    Department of Physiotherapy, Manchester Metropolitan University, Elizabeth Gaskell Campus, Manchester, UK

  2. 2

    Department of Old Age Psychiatry, Manchester Mental Health & Social Care Trust, Manchester, UK

  3. 3

    Freemasons' Department of Geriatric Medicine, University of Auckland, Auckland, New Zealand

*Reader in Physiotherapy, Department of Physiotherapy, Manchester Metropolitan University, Elizabeth Gaskell Campus, Hathersage Road, Manchester, M13 0JA, UK.

Publication History

  1. Issue published online: 17 OCT 2008
  2. Article first published online: 6 MAY 2008
  3. Manuscript Accepted: 27 MAR 2008
  4. Manuscript Received: 9 NOV 2007

Funded by

  • Research Institute of Health
  • Social Change of the Manchester Metropolitan University

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Keywords:

  • intermediate care;
  • depression;
  • anxiety;
  • length of stay;
  • elderly

Abstract

Objectives

Depression and anxiety symptoms are common in medically ill older patients. We investigated the prevalence and predictors of depression and anxiety symptoms in older patients admitted for further rehabilitation in post acute intermediate care.

Design

Observational cohort study.

Setting

An intermediate care unit, North West of England.

Participants

One hundred and seventy-three older patients (60 male), aged mean (SD) 80 (8.1) years, referred for further rehabilitation to intermediate care.

Measurements

Depression and anxiety symptoms were assessed by the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and severity of depression examined by the Montgomery Asberg Depression Rating Scale. Physical disability was assessed by the Nottingham Extended ADL Scale and quality of life by the SF-36.

Results

Sixty-five patients (38%) were identified with depressive symptoms, 29 (17%) with clinical depression, 73 (43%) with anxiety symptoms, and 43 (25%) with clinical anxiety. 15 (35%) of the latter did not have elevated depression scores (9% of the sample). Of those with clinical depression, 14 (48%) were mildly depressed and 15 (52%) moderately depressed. Longer stay in the unit was predicted by severity of depression, physical disability, low cognition and living alone (total adjusted R2 = 0.24).

Conclusions

Clinical depression and anxiety are common in older patients admitted in intermediate care. Anxiety is often but not invariably secondary to depression and both should be screened for. Depression is an important modifiable factor affecting length of stay. The benefits of structured management programmes for anxiety and depression in patients admitted in intermediate care are worthy of evaluation. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

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