Depression and anxiety in elderly patients as a challenge for geriatric therapeutic team

Porzych K, Kędziora-Kornatowska K, Porzych M, Polak A, Motyl J

Coexistence of many illnesses of  various etiology in elderly patients is one of the most important issues of contemporary geriatrics. Frequent coexistence of depression and fear is one  of the increasing problems in general clinical picture. Depression and fear are responsible for unclear and non-uniform clinical signs. They may modify the course of many illnesses and make diagnosis difficult.
Firstly, the aim of research was to determine the difference of anxiety level in depressed patients compared with patients not suffering from depression. Secondly, examining if there is a dependence between the anxiety level and depression exacerbation. Thirdly, researching what types of psychical and somatic signs are most often related to anxiety.
Total number of examined patients amounted to 60 persons aged 65 and older. The persons were  treated in The Geriatric Clinic of Medical Academy in Bydgoszcz. The patients did not suffer from dementia and their somatic state allowed to examine them. Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) was used in the research. Anxiety level was examined with Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA). Medical history on the patients current life situations was collected. The patients were divided into two groups of 30 persons based on the GDS examination result. One of the groups gathered patients with the signs of depression in every person while the other grouped those without depression. 
Examination results proved that the anxiety level in depressed patients is significantly higher than in non-depressed patients. They also showed what kinds of psychical and somatic signs are most often related to anxiety. Taking depression and fear symptoms into consideration makes the therapy proper and causes relief for the patients and makes them feel better. Interdisciplinary approach to treatment of elderly patients, covering medical and non-medical areas of life can help in limiting the number of recurring hospitalization.