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The prevalence of depression in elders is high, but debate continues about its incidence. To learn more, these researchers examined data from 5653 nondemented participants (mean age, 70; 97% living independently) in a Dutch population-based study of the incidences of various diseases. The investigators used screening instruments, standardized interviews, patient reports, and medical and pharmacy records of antidepressant prescriptions to determine prospectively how many individuals developed depressive disorders or symptoms that did not meet full diagnostic criteria.
During a mean follow-up of 8 years, there were 174 episodes of new-onset major depression or dysthymia, 392 episodes of other depressive syndromes (e.g., minor depression), and …