The Open Geriatric Medicine Journal
2010, 3 : 11-16Published online 2010 May 20. DOI: 10.2174/1874827901003010011
Publisher ID: TOGERIMJ-3-11
Treatment Related Risk Factors Associated with the Default of Depression Treatment Among the Elderly – A Case Control Study
ABSTRACT
Introduction:
We are living in an ageing world. Depression is a serious psychiatric disorder especially when the elderly are inflicted with it. The prevalence of depression in Malaysia ranges from eight to 67%. Depression leads to a decreased quality of life and it is a risk factor for suicides among the elderly. Geriatric depression can be treated effectively but only ten percent of those who need psychiatric help receive it and 40 to 70% of those who receive treatment are not compliant.
Aim:
The objective of this study was to determine the treatment related risk factors associated with the default of depression treatment among the elderly.
Methodology:
This study was ethically conducted using a case control study design with two controls in four major hospitals in northern Malaysia. Cases made up of 148 elderly depressed patients who had defaulted treatment. One control group comprised of 148 depressed elderly patients who did not default treatment and another comprised of 148 non depressed psychiatric patients who were on regular follow up in the same hospitals.
Results:
The type of antidepressant medication prescribed (p=0.04), not given a choice to choose the treating doctor (OR 1.5) and the preference to traditional/complimentary medicine (OR 6.08) was identified as significant risk factors.
Conclusion:
A comprehensive treatment plan made with the involvement of the patient and their caregivers, flexible follow up dates and a choice to choose the place and the treating doctor and the usage of newer generation antidepressant drugs can help prevent depression treatment default among the elderly.