Prevalência e fatores relacionados ao transtorno depressivo maior em idosos em um hospital psiquiátrico no norte do Rio Grande do Sul

Abstract

Objective: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a psychiatric condition that affects approximately 10% of the global population over 60 years of age and is frequently associated with comorbidities, decreased functionality, and increased morbidity and mortality. This study aimed to evaluate the prevalence of MDD in patients older than 60 years admitted to a psychiatric hospital in Passo Fundo, Rio Grande do Sul, and to investigate factors associated with its occurrence. Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted with a sample of elderly patients admitted to the Bezerra de Menezes Psychiatric Hospital between August 2022 and July 2023. Data collection was performed through medical record review. After data collection, frequencies were analyzed to characterize elderly patients with or without MDD, considered the dependent variable, regarding the relationship age, sex, with substance use and the prevalence of psychiatric, cardiovascular, endocrine, and respiratory comorbidities. Results: The sample included 100 patients, of whom 30% presented depressive disorder. Within the sample, 37% had systemic arterial hypertension, 37% had alcoholism, 29% smoking, 8% generalized anxiety disorder, 9% personality disorders, and 5% had sequelae of cerebrovascular accidents. Statistical significance was observed in the comparative analysis regarding generalized anxiety disorder, personality disorders, and sequelae of cerebrovascular accidents. Conclusion: These findings emphasize the need for careful management of psychiatric conditions and patients’ lifestyle habits, as well as the importance of integrated management of comorbidities. However, the study has limitations related to sample size and the use of secondary data.