Risk assessment of depression in geriatric patients

Aim
In the geriatric population, every fifth person suffers from depression. Frequently, its symptoms are confused with those of other medical conditions, such as dementia and Alzheimer's disease. The aim of the study was to assess the risk of depression in geriatric patients and the factors influencing it.

Material and methods
The study group consisted of patients reporting to the Clinical Department of Emergency Medicine, University Hospital No. 2 in Bydgoszcz. A total of 150 people took part in the study. The research was carried out using the diagnostic survey method, using a questionnaire consisting of two parts: socio-demographic data and the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS).

Results
The risk of depression in the study group was high. The average GDS score was 10.88 ± 6.87 points. Nearly half of the respondents (47.33%) did not experience the risk of depression, 40.00% obtained the result indicating mild depression, and 12.67% - deep depression. Factors such as age, marital status, income, living alone, and the presence of chronic diseases had the greatest impact on the appearance of depression symptoms among people of geriatric age. Having interests, being physically active, and feeling supported by relatives reduce the risk of depression among elderly patients.

Conclusions
The respondents had a high risk of depression symptoms. The results of the research were influenced by socio-demographic factors and the coexistence of chronic diseases.