Citation

Cook JM, Arean PA, Schnurr PP, Sheikh JI. Int. J. Psychiatry Med. 2001; 31(4): 401-414.

Affiliation

Philadelphia VA Medical Center, PA 19104, USA.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2001, SAGE Publishing)

DOI

unavailable

PMID

11949738

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: The current study explored the relationship between past traumatic experiences and current depression in a sample of depressed older adult primary care patients. METHOD: Sixty-six patients were referred from primary care to a psychogeriatric clinic that specialized in the treatment of unipolar depressive disorders. All patients received an extensive psychological assessment. RESULTS: Twenty-one percent had a history of trauma reported in their medical charts. Despite no differences found on a clinician-rated measure of depression, those with a trauma history had more depressive symptoms on a self-report measure. CONCLUSIONS: Although older patients with a history of trauma may not appear more depressed than a non-trauma comparison group, they may be in more psychological distress. The clinical implications of these findings and recommendations for mental health professionals are discussed.

Language: en