Age and sex differences in prevalence and clinical correlates of depression: first results from the Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing

Abstract

Overall, 10% (95% CI: 9-11%) of adults reported clinically significant depressive symptoms. Physical illness is associated with depressive symptoms only in adults 65 years and older; in adults aged 50-64 years, the association is mediated by medication use, and this age difference is statistically significant (p < 0.00). Irrespective of age, chronic pain and incontinence were stronger predictors of depression in men (interaction effects p < 0.00) CONCLUSIONS: Our findings identify age-specific and gender-specific clinical markers for depression risk among the older population, which may identify those more likely to present with depression in community settings.