[Prevalence of mental disorders in the elderly long-term unemployed. Comparison of results of the project KompAQT and the German National Health Interview and Examination Survey].

OBJECTIVE

Unemployed persons have a higher risk for mental disorders. There is some evidence that this risk is even greater for the elderly longterm unemployed. This study assesses the prevalence of mental disorders in this group.

METHODS

This pilot study was conducted within a programme for assisting long-term unemployed subjects to re-enter the workforce. 12-month prevalences for mental disorders according to ICD-10 were calculated using the DIA-X Structured Clinical Interview. Prevalence rates were compared to those of the German National Health Interview and Examination Survey, Mental Health Supplement in the community. Prevalence rates were adjusted concerning sex, age and family status.

RESULTS

Compared to the prevalence rate in the general population, prevalence rates for the elderly long-term unemployed were elevated only for mood disorders. 12-month prevalence rates were 32.18% for depressive disorders and 37.58% for dysthymia. There are some methodological limitations like selectivity of the sample that may influence the validity of the results.

CONCLUSIONS

The risk for depressive disorder in elderly long-term unemployed persons should be investigated with adequate methods in a larger representative sample.