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Remission from depressive symptoms among older adults with mood disorders: findings of a representative community sample
- Authors:
- FULLER-THOMSON Esme, BATTISTON Marla
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Gerontological Social Work, 52(7), October 2009, pp.744-760.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
- Place of publication:
- Philadelphia, USA
The aim of this study was to determine factors associated with remission in a community-dwelling sample of older Canadians with mood disorders. A representative community survey conducted in 6 Canadian provinces was used. Data were gathered by telephone and in-person interviews. The response rate was 79%. The sample (n = 1,161) was limited to community-dwelling individuals, aged 55 and over, who reported that they had been diagnosed by a health professional with a mood disorder lasting 6 months or more at some point in their life. Three-quarters (76%) of older adults with mood disorders had been symptom-free for the preceding year. Analysis indicated that the married, those aged 65 and over, those in good to excellent health and those who reported minimal stress had the highest odds of remission. Gender, immigration status, education level, household income, number of chronic conditions, activities of daily living limitations, comorbid anxiety disorders and physical activity level were not associated with the likelihood of remission. Remission rates in this community sample of older adults with mood disorders were much higher than in previous clinical samples. Strategies to improve identification and outreach to those least likely to be in remission from depression are discussed.