Major Depression in Elderly Home Health Care Patients (original) (raw)

The study investigates major depression among elderly patients receiving home health care, highlighting the prevalence, clinical associations, and treatment status. Out of 539 patients, 73 (13.5%) were diagnosed with major depression, primarily their first episode, resulting in significant correlations with medical morbidity, disability in daily activities, and pain. Notably, a majority of depressed patients were untreated, emphasizing a critical gap in mental health care for this vulnerable population.