Community adjustment among older depressives.

Depression is the most common emotional disorder of later life, yet there is much confusion and clinical speculation about it. Adjustment of later-life depressives after psychiatric treatment is virtually an unknown area, as is the phenomenon of depression itself with this population. This study addressed these two issues. Community adjustment of younger and older clinically depressed patients after treatment was monitored. Also, adjustment differences in self and other ratings were compared between the two age groups. Results show that there are no significant differences in posttreatment adjustment ratings between the age groups. In addition, it was found that older depressives with a longer history of depression adjust less well than expected. Lastly, older depressives (relative to younger ones), particularly neurotic ones, show the following pattern of adjustment: Less alienation, less vigor, less confidence in skills, poorer work history, less abuse of alcohol or drugs, more social constriction, more agitation, and fewer household management skills.