Depression in the later years statistics

• Incidence/Prevalence

  • Depressive disorders affect 1 in 7 older people (1)

• Suicide

  • Rates of suicide in older men are highest in Scotland (19.8 per 100,000 population)(2)

• Statistical problems

  • There is a lack of detailed and reliable data on the extent to which older people in Scotland experience mental health problems.(2)

• Referral to secondary services

  • Fewer than 10% of older people with clinical depression are referred to specialist mental health services compared with about 50% of younger adults with mental and emotional problems. (2)
  • In some cases, GPs are unable to refer older people on to other parts of the NHS that could help them because of discriminatory rules excluding people over the age of 65. (2)

• Treatment and diagnosis

  • Overall, eight out of 10 older people with clinical depression do not get any treatment. (2)
  • Depression in people aged 65 and over is especially under-diagnosed (3)

• Mental health problems in different settings

  • “Conservative estimates from the Department of Health suggest that, in the UK Mental health problems are present in 40% of older people who attend their GP in 50% of older adult inpatients in general hospitals, and in 60% of residents in care homes.(4)

• Psychiatric admissions

  • Just over a quarter of admissions to mental health inpatient services involve people over the age of 65.(4)

• Population increase

  • In the next 10 years, the number of people aged over 65 will increase by 15%, and the number aged over 85 by 27%. (4)

• Physical health problems and mental health

  •  Mental health problems, particularly depression and dementia, are more common and have a worse outcome in the 60% of older people who suffer from a long-term illness.(4)

References

1.  Beekman AT, Copeland JR, Prince, MJ. Review of community prevalence of depression in later life. Br J Psychiatry  1999;174: 307-11

 2. ‘Improving services and support for older people with mental health problems: The second report from the UK inquiry into Mental Health and Well-Being in Later Life’, produced by Age Concern in 2007

3. lliffe, S. et al (1991), Assessment of elderly people in general practice. 1. Social Circumstances and mental state, British Journal of General Practice; 41 (342) pp 9- 1
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4.March 2009 Healthcare Commission “ Equalities in Later Life: A national study of older people’s mental health services”