Remission From Depressive Symptoms Among Older Adults With Mood Disorders: Findings of a Representative Community Sample

Abstract

Objective: To determine factors associated with remission in a community-dwelling sample of older Canadians with mood disorders. Methods: We used a representative community survey conducted in 6 Canadian provinces. Data were gathered by telephone and in-person interviews. The response rate was 79%. Those in institutions were excluded from the sampling frame. Our sample 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 at some point in their life. Only those with mood disorders that lasted 6 months or more were included in the sample (n = 1,161). Remission from depression was calculated using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview–Short Form (CIDI-SF). Individuals were classified as in remission if CIDI-SF < 0.9.

Results: Three-quarters (76%) of older adults with mood disorders had been symptom-free for the preceding year. The logistic regression analyses 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. Conclusion: 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.

KEYWORDS:

• Mood disorders
• depressive symptoms
• remission
• elder adults
• Canadian Community Health Survey