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October 25, 2009
Researchers say primary-care physicians crucial to preventing depression in elderly.
Medscape (10/22, Kelly) reported that, according to a study published online Oct. 15 in the American Journal of Psychiatry, "primary-care physicians are emerging as the front line in efforts to reduce the growing numbers of depressed elderly."
After following "617 patients aged 65 years or older from practices in general internal medicine, geriatrics, and family medicine," researchers from the University of Rochester found that "elderly patients at greatest risk for depression onset have early factors that are among those routinely assessed in primary-care visits," such as "minor or subsyndromal depression, history of major or minor depression, and impaired functional status." The authors suggested that "psychiatrists -- and mental healthcare providers more generally -- need to be establishing partnerships with the primary-care community."
Related Links:
- Primary Care Physicians Key in Preventing Major Depression in the Elderly," Janis C. Kelly, Medscape Today, October 22, 2009.
Posted by admin at October 25, 2009 05:15 PM