Is Major Depressive Disorder With Psychotic Features More Likely in Elderly Than Adulthood

Abstract

Objective: Although psychotic depression is very common among old depressed patients, studies have generally failed to find any socio-demographic differences between psychotic depressed patients and non-psychotic patients. Comparison of the age related factors in psychotic depression and non-psychotic depression patients could contribute to a better understanding of the clinical features of psychotic depression and its management. Method: The sample comprised of 50 inpatients; 25 of them major depressive disorder with psychotic features, and the other 25 major depressive disorder without psychotic features. The diagnosis made after consensus of two psychiatrists by Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-IV Axis I Disorder (SCID-IV). The severity of depression measured with the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS), and concomitantly Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS) were performed. Results: The average age of the patients with psychotic depression (46,6 +/- 15.4 years) was higher than that of non-psychotic depressed patients (35,1 +/- 15.2 years). Also, patients with psychotic depression had higher mean of total HDRS and HARS scores. There were no significant differences between the patient groups in number of episodes and duration of illness. Conclusion: These findings suggest that major depressive disorder with psychotic