Objective: To determine the 1-month prevalence of mental disorders among 95-year olds.
Design: Cross-sectional population sample of 95-year olds.
Setting: : All 95-year olds born in the period 1901-1903 living in Gothenburg, Sweden, were invited. Elderly living in both community settings and nursing homes were included.
Participants: In total, 338 95-year olds (response rate: 65%) were examined (263 women, 75 men).
Measurements: All participants were examined by psychiatrists using the Comprehensive Psychopathological Rating Scale and cognitive tests. Mental disorders were classified according to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Third Edition, Revised criteria.
Results: Two-third of all 95-year olds had a mental disorder. In the total sample of 95-year olds, the 1-month prevalence was 52% for dementia, 8% for depression, 4% for anxiety, and 3% for psychotic disorders. Almost one-third (29%) of the nondemented 95-year olds fulfilled criteria for a psychiatric disorder: 17% had depression, 9% anxiety, and 7% psychotic disorder.
Conclusions: The combined prevalence of mental disorders was high among 95-year olds, even after excluding dementia. These findings emphasize the importance of research, care, and detection of psychiatric problems in this age group.