A study on the association of Mental Disorders and Physical Illness in the Geriatric Population

ABSTRACT

Background: Growth of elderly people in the general population in recent years is termed as "graying of the world” where there is a shift from high mortality & fertility to low mortality & fertility, resulting in an increased proportion of older people as seen in India. Improved health care promises longevity but socio- economic factors like poverty, joint families and poor services pose a psychological threat. Epidemiological data regarding the prevalence of mental disorders in geriatric population with physical illness is required for proper health planning. The aim of the study is to study the association of mental disorders and physical illness in geriatric population. Methodology: Sixty consecutive elderly patients aged 60 years or above of both sexes, reporting with physical illness to general outpatient registration counter of Navodaya Medical College Hospital & Research Centre, Raichur, India, were considered for the Study. With informed consent, they were screened with General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) and were further evaluated for diagnosing mental disorders according to WHO International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) criteria. Descriptive statistics and percentage were used to describe the data. Results: Mental disorders were detected in 48.3%, predominantly depressive disorders, nicotine dependence, generalized anxiety disorder, alcohol dependence and least was dementia. Most common physical illness was cardiovascular disease followed by metabolic, respiratory and other diseases. Depressive disorders, substance dependence and dementia were more associated with cardiovascular disease compared to metabolic disease and respiratory diseases were more associated with nicotine dependence. Conclusions: Depression and Substance use disorders among elderly population is of concern, which needs to be further studied with larger population. Psychiatric morbidity will adversely have an impact on physical illness which needs proper assessment and management. This will enhance our understanding and prioritize our planning for future.