Are old people more depressed? Cross-sectional data on Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale factors.

Age differences on the 20-item Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) were examined for 4 age–cohort groups: 20–39 years ( n  = 548), 40–54 years ( n  = 218), 55–69 years ( n  = 352), and 70–98 years ( n  = 212). On total CES-D, there was a significant age effect and quadratic trend, with means for the middle aged least and those for the oldest most elevated. On 4 CES-D subscales—Depressed Mood, Psychomotor Retardation, Lack of Well-being (i.e., reverse-scored items), and Interpersonal Difficulties—the oldest group scored highest only on lack of well-being. Somatic symptoms of depression were not elevated. Young adults scored highest on depressed mood. Adults who are now old were not generally characterized by elevated self-reports of depressive symptoms; however, on items asking whether the respondent has a hopeful outlook, those aged 70 and older were more likely to endorse a lack of such positive feelings. (APA PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2016 APA, all rights reserved)