Reducing depression and suicide amongst older Australians: a clustered randomised clinical trial in primary health care [ 2005 - 2007 ]

Research Grant

Researchers: Prof Osvaldo Almeida (Principal investigator) ,  Dr Jon Pfaff ,  Prof Jane Pirkis ,  Prof John Snowdon ,  Prof Ngaire Kerse
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Brief description Like many industrialised nations, Australia's population is ageing. By the year 2051, the population aged 65 years and over is projected to triple in size, while those over 85 will increase five-fold. The social, financial, and health consequences of a rapidly ageing society cannot be ignored. Accompanying this population explosion will be greater numbers of individuals experiencing age-related physical disorders and disabilities that give rise to social and psychological problems, including depression and suicide. Suicide rates are very high in later life, with the ratio of men who kill themselves in late old age greater than that found in their youthful counterparts. Depression is most often linked to suicidal behaviour in this age group, with research suggesting that the treatment of this mental disorder may directly lead to a reduction in suicide in the aged. Approximately 80% of older adults will visit their general practitioner at least once per year in Australia, while up to 70% of older people will consult their GP in the month prior to their death by suicide. This suggests that GPs are in the best possible position to detect and manage depression and suicide risk in later life. Unfortunately, depression is consistently reported to be underdiagnosed and undertreated in this setting. The purpose of this study is to determine whether an educational programme targeting Australian GPs can enhance doctors' detection rates of depression and suicide risk, thereby leading to a reduction in depression and suicidal behaviour among those older patients visiting their surgeries.

Funding Amount $AUD 765,050.00

Funding Scheme NHMRC Project Grants

Notes Standard Project Grant