ISSN:
1573-3238
Keywords:
old age
;
service delivery
;
outcome
;
depression
Source:
Springer Online Journal Archives 1860-2000
Topics:
Medicine
Notes:
Abstract Psychogeriatrics and especially psychiatric services in nursing and old-age homes are sorely lacking in research. Four years ago we developed and implemented a model for service delivery for old-age homes within our hospitals' catchment area. In the first year of operation 48 of 373 residents (13%) were evaluated and treated by a psychogeriatrician. The aim of the present study was to evaluate outcome of these patients three years later. All patients and medical records were re-assessed. During the three-year period 16/48 subjects (33.3%) passed away; of these half were previously diagnosed as suffering from a major depressive episode. None of the subjects who died had attempted suicide. Following a preliminary diagnosis of affective spectrum disorder, 4/48 patients (8.3%) were re-diagnosed at follow up as suffering from dementia. Full or partial remission of the original symptomatology was achieved in 18/32 surviving subjects (50.7%); mostly depressed or anxious patients. We conclude that although mortality rate among elderly psychiatric patients is high persistent interventions lead to successful remission in the majority of patients.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1023/A:1022399608703
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