Depressive disorder in elderly Chinese people.

This is a study of the prevalence of depressive disorder among elderly Chinese people living in the community in Singapore. A total of 612 subjects were assessed using the Geriatric Mental State Schedule. The prevalence of depressive disorder was found to be 4.6%. The rate was higher among Chinese people between 65-74 years than among those 75 years and above, and also higher for females than males. The majority of cases were mild and the common symptoms were feelings of sadness, insomnia, headache, pessimism and tension. There was no depressive psychosis or mania.