Social status, alcohol consumption and affective disorders in non-institutionalized elderly

Summary s of the mood are closely accompanied by modifications of social state, distinctive alimentary behaviors and alcohol abuse. The purpose of this study is to evaluate whether anxiety and depression are associated with such aspects in the elderly. The study population consisted of 834 elderly subjects living at home, 10 % of them were affected by depression and 12 % were anxious. The diagnosis was established by history, physical and instrumental examinations, as well as by psychometric tests. Using a detailed questionnaire, the social state, caloric intake and alcohol consumption were also investigated. All situations associated with loneliness of the elderly should be controlled, since they are often connected with mood impairments. Alcohol abuse does not seem to be associated with these troubles, while modifications of alimentary habits resulting in an impairment in the quality of diet, are indicators of a possible presence of depression and/or anxiety.