Comorbid depressive symptomatology: isolating the effects of chronic medical conditions on self-reported depressive symptoms among community-dwelling older adults.

Abstract

Advances in medical technology and surgical knowledge have greatly extended the life expectancy of older individuals with chronic disabilities. Among the older adult population the prevalence of comorbid chronic illness and depressive symptoms has often been investigated. Yet there continues to be a lack of understanding about the consequences of specific chronic illnesses on depressive symptoms. Using cross-sectional data while simultaneously controlling the effects of various socioenvironmental, demographic, and other factors, this study analyzed the prevalence of self-reported depressive symptoms in relation to chronic illness. The cumulative effect of medical comorbidity and the specific effect of individual chronic illnesses were examined. The sample consisted of 359 older white Americans aged 55-93. Overall, the findings show that self-reports of depressive symptoms were greater among those individuals who also reported digestive disorders, respiratory ailments, and heart problems. These results suggest that for older white Americans these three chronic conditions may present a greater mental health burden than other chronic illnesses.