Predictors of fatigue in Individuals With Late-Life Depression

OBJECTIVES: To examine fatigue levels in individuals with late-life depression (LLD) and to identify which specific factors significantly affect fatigue severity in these individuals. METHODS: We included 91 adults (51 LLD and 40 nondepressed individuals), 60% femeles, age range between 60 and 85 yeas. Diagnosis of major depressive episode was defined by the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria and fatigue severity was evaluated by the Fatigue Assessment Scale. RESULTS: Individuals with LLD showed significantly higher total scores on the FAS (t₉₀=11.81, p=0.002). Fatigue severity was signifcanlty predicted by MADRS (t₈₂ = 2.74, p = 0.07), PSS (t₈₂ = -4.21, p <0.001), and WHODAS scores (t₈₂ = 5.23, p <0.001). CONCLUSION: Fatigue is common and disabling symptom associated with LLD. Interventions that promote reduction in fatigue levels can have a significant impact on disability and quality of life of individuals with LLD.