Depression in later life is a major public heath issue. Few studies to date examined the psychiatric correlates of depression in elderly surveys in the general population.

To provide nationally representative data on the prevalence, sociodemographic correlates and comorbidity of current major depressive disorder in late life.

This study is based on a nationally representative survey, the National Epidemiologic Survey on Alcohol and Related Conditions, of the noninstitutionalized household population (8,205 respondents aged 65 and above). The past 12-months prevalence of major depressive disorder was estimated, and logistic regression analyses were used to examine the relationship between 12-months major depressive disorder and sociodemographic characteristics, general medical condition and psychiatric disorder. Diagnoses were made according to the of DSM-IV criteria.

Among the respondents, 3.2% individuals with a past 12-months diagnosis of major depressive disorder were identified. Women and individuals living in urban areas were more likely to be diagnosed with a major depressive disorder. Significant associations between major depressive disorder and cardiovascular, gastrointestinal diseases, arthritis were found. Several psychiatric disorder were associated with past 12-months major depressive disorder, including dysthymia, bipolar disorder, panic disorder, specific phobia, generalized anxiety disorder, nicotine and alcohol dependence, and histrionic personality disorder.

Recent Major depressive disorder in the elderly was associated with a large number of psychiatric disorders. This study highlights the need to develop effective and targeted intervention initiatives to detect major depressive disorder in elderly.