| Abstract [eng] |
Depression is one of the most common mental illnesses, but research has shown that in later life depression is not always diagnosed and can differ from middle-life depression. The aim of this study was to investigate the differences among middle-aged and elderly depression. 184 adults participated in the study, age range was 40-87 years (17 males and 167 females). They completed an online survey, which consisted of Patient Health Questionnaire (9), Geriatric Depression scale (15), Generalized Anxiety Disorder scale (7) and demographic characteristics questionnaire. The results have shown that senior participants had more severe symptoms of depression and somatic symptoms were more common. More severe depression was predicted by previous consultations at psychologist or psychiatrist, physical pain, worse rating of financial situation, less close friends or family members to talk to and longer duration of poor well-being. This study highlights the peculiarities of elderly depression and probable risk factors that can contribute to more severe depression in elderly and middle-aged adults. |
