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Meta-analysis: Global Prevalence of Major Depression in Older Adults Tops 13%
The prevalence of major depressive disorder in older adults worldwide is 13.3%, according to a systematic review and meta-analysis published in Neuroscience & Biobehavioral Reviews.
“Major depressive disorder has a growing trend in the elderly population of the world,” reported lead author Nasrin Abdoli, of the Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences in Iran, and coauthors. “The prevalence of major depression in the elderly depends on various clinical and demographic factors, such as age and gender. Therefore, mental health and the quality of life of the elderly are important.”
To gauge the global prevalence of major depressive disorder in older adults, researchers looked at 20 studies published up to March 2021 that included a total 18,953 participants.
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In addition to identifying a global prevalence of 13.3% in older adults as a whole, the analysis identified an 11.9% prevalence of major depression in older women and a 9.7% prevalence of major depression in older men.
Per continent, Australia had the highest prevalence of major depression in older adults at 20.1%. Europe was next highest, at 12.9%, the study found.
“The present study,” researchers wrote, “emphasizes the importance of social support in mental health that can reduce depression in the elderly.”
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