ABSTRACT
Objective:To explore psychosocial factors of depressed elderly patients. Methods:33 elderly people with the first episode of depression diagnosed according to CCMD-3, and elderly healthy people were investigated with EPQ, SSRS (social support rating scale), LES (life event scale) and MMSE (mini mental state examination). Results:The rates of psychiatric family history, somatic diseases, risk factors for vascular disease and long-term difficulties were significantly higher in the depressive group than in control group. The score of MMSE was significantly lower in depressive group than in control group. The scores of negative life events and problems in social intercourse were significantly higher in depressive group than in control group. There were lower score of social support and its utility in the depressive group than in control group. The score of neuroticism was significantly higher in the depressive group. Most depressive elderly patients had the personality of neuroticism.Conclusion:Chronic stress, high neuroticism and severe cognitive impairment are important risk factors for depression in late life.[