Physical Disabilities in Late Onset Depression in the Community

A community survey of subjects aged over 50 was carried out. 406 subjects were randomly selected and examined. 264 were found normal, 98 subjects were found to suffer from depression of late onset type. Detailed enquiry was made about the physical health in all subjects using a specially drawn 42 item somatic discomfort inventory. Each symptom was graded as mild, moderate and severe.Similarly sensory disabilities such as dimness of vision and hearing defects were classified into mild, moderate and marked.It was found that physical illness, sensory deficit, chronic ailment, recent deterioration in health, restriction of movement and difficulties in self care were more frequently observed in late onset depressives in the community than in normal subjects.Further, using I.B.M. computer, Principal component analysis was done to examine the correlation of physical illness variables, socio-economic variables, personality variables, variables or emotional attitudes and of the occurrence of depression. Physical illness variables had high loadings in Factor I-General illness factor and Factor II-Isolation factor.Thus it is concluded that physical disabilities had significant association with depression of late onset type and the physical illness limiting the movement of the subject combined with environmental conditions led to the feeling of loneliness and depression.