A Long Term Effect of Collaborative Care on Depression Treatment in a Community Dwelling Elderly

Suicide is a significant cause of death in Korea. According to the report compiled by the Korea National Statistical Office, 24.8 victims of every 100,000 in 2007 (Korea National Statistical Office, 2008), which is higher compared with 10.1 in the United States, 6.0 in the United Kingdom, and 19.1 in Japan (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development, 2008). Especially, suicide rate is incredibly higher in elderly. Most persons who commit suicide have a diagnosed psychiatric disorder. Among them, 60% had Depression when they committed suicide. Therefore, this study aimed the impact of a care management intervention on depression treatment and reducing suicidal ideation in elderly patients with depression.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 60 and older
• current major or minor depression

Exclusion Criteria:

• severe cognitive dysfunction
• severe auditory dysfunction
• history of psychosis