The prognosis of late-life depression in two contiguous old age psychiatry services: An exploratory study

• Published in: Aging & mental health 2000-02, Vol.4 (1), p.72-78
• Main Authors: Philpot, M. P., Drahman, I. Bin, Ball, C. J., Macdonald, A. J. D.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Admissions; Community Mental Health Centers; Depression (Psychology); Elderly; Hospitalization; Institutionalization (Persons); London, England; Mental Health Services; Patients; Termination of Treatment; Treatment Outcomes
• ISSN: 1360-7863; 1364-6915
• DOI: 10.1080/13607860056008

A retrospective case-note study of 131 patients with depressive disorder over the age of 65 years discharged over a 3-year period from acute in-patient care in two neighbouring but organizationally distinct old age psychiatry services was made to determine the factors affecting subsequent readmission to hospital and mortality. Demographic data, clinical aspects and initial management of patients were similar at discharge with the exception of family history of depression and a measure of social deprivation. Patients from the traditionally organized service (A) had greater lengths of stay in hospital, were more likely to be discharged to institutional care and died earlier than patients from the community-focussed service (B). There was a trend for patients from service A to be readmitted sooner than those from service B. Differences in follow-up arrangements reflected the different models of service organisation employed. Despite the limitations of a retrospective study it is suggested that the results provide the grounds for further prospective examination of the effects of service organization on outcome in depression.