Fewer studies have assessed utilization patterns of elderly patients, yet LLD is associated
with high utilization in many categories of medical care, not just mental health care,
including inappropriate service use.25 Excess costs of depression in community-dwelling
elderly are significant even when productivity losses are not considered.36 Depression in
geriatric populations can present similarly or exacerbate somatic symptoms associated with
comorbid medical conditions,30 which can delay depression treatment.37 Depressed elderly
individuals with chronic medical conditions visit the doctor’s office, emergency room,5
and
are hospitalized38 more frequently than their non-depressed counterparts.39 Up to 25% of
costs of care for medical illnesses may be attributed to depression, and this is clearly
associated with longer hospital stays and higher costs