Özet:

Abstract Objective: The aim of the present study is to determine the frequency of polypharmacy and depression and the relationship between them in older adults. Methods: We reviewed the files and electronic records of 863 patients aged 65 years and older admitted to our geriatric outpatient clinic. The presence of polypharmacy and depression was evaluated. Results: The mean age of the participants was 73.3 ± 6.5 years. The proportion of female patients was 66.8%. While the frequency of polypharmacy was 47.1% in general, it was 80.5% in depressive patients. The proportion of patients diagnosed with depression was 15.9%. The presence of depression was found to be associated with a 3.3-fold increase in the risk of polypharmacy. Conclusions: The frequency of polypharmacy was found to be high especially among depressed patients in our study. Early diagnosis of depressed elderly people seems to be an approach to prevent the occurrence of polypharmacy.

Anahtar Kelimeler: