Mental health problems in the elderly in residential care in Greece - A pilot study

A. Arvaniti, M. Livaditis, E. Kanioti, E. Davis, M. Samakouri, Keriakos Xenitidis

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

18 Scopus citations

Abstract

The aim of this study is to examine the mental health problems of older adults living in a residential home in a Greek rural area. A sample of 40 residents was compared with 40 matched controls attending a community open care centre for the elderly (OCCE). The following measures were used: Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI), Geriatric Depression Screening Scale (GDSS), and the Mini Mental State Examination (MMSE). The group of the residents had a lower educational level and presented with a higher prevalence of depression and suicidality. Suicidal ideation was not significantly correlated to any of the examined independent social or psychological factors and was persistent during a period of two years follow-up. It is possible that, especially in rural areas, admission in the institution is per se a traumatic event precipitating suicidality. The issues of effective psychological care for older adults in residential care are discussed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)142-145
Number of pages4
JournalAging and Mental Health
Volume9
Issue number2
DOIs
StatePublished - Mar 2005
Externally publishedYes

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Geriatrics and Gerontology
  • Psychiatry and Mental health
  • Gerontology
  • Phychiatric Mental Health

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