Background:

The aim of this study was to identify the problems of patients with severe depressive symptoms (GDS>9) according to the HoNOS+65 scale, to evaluate the effectiveness of a partial hospitalization program to reduce severe depressive symptoms, and to identify independent predictors.

Methods:

Pre-post study of patients with depression treated at the psychogeriatric Day Hospital (HDPG) of Pamplona (Spain). The scores obtained on the HoNOS+65, MMSE, GDS, BARTHEL, ALSAR, and COTE scales were compared at admission and discharge, and the prognostic factors for no improvement of severe depressive symptoms were determined.

Results:

The 75.3% of the 81 patients were women, with a mean age of 69.9 years (range: 57-88). At discharge, severe depressive symptoms only remained for 25.9%, who significantly improved on the HoNOS+65 total and COTE scales while problems of physical deterioration were maintained and cognitive ones increased. Patients with GDS <9 at discharge showed significant reductions in all the problems presented at admisión, except for the level of dependency (Barthel). On admission, the patiens who did not improve showed more severe despressive symptoms and greater behavioral and social problems: the three variables were independent predictors for no improvement of severe depressive symptoms.

Conclusions:

The HDPG program had a positive impact on patients with severe depressive symptoms. The clinical and social improvement achieved supports the HDPG format as an adequate alternative for the care of elderly patients with severe depressive symptoms.