Objective:

to determine the frequency of depressive symptoms and their treatment in older adults affiliated to the social health security institutions in Mexico.

Material and methods:

a descriptive cross-sectional study with 3,114 participants from 7 states of the country who were psychologically evaluated using the Geriatric Depression Scale (GDS) by Yesavage, also analyzed their affiliation to social security, functionality (Barthel and Lawton index) and cognitive status (Minimental State Examination of Folstein). The analysis of the information was carried out using the statistical package SPSS (Statistical Package for the Social Sciences) as well as the sociodemographic data of the participants.

Results:

Coverage was observed in 88.5% of the population. Prevalence of depression was 27.4% and 96.8% of them did not receive treatment. In addition 18.9% had functional dependence, 16.2% had cognitive impairment and 7.4% had suffered at least one fall with injuries. Only 11.2% of all participants were diagnosed in their clinic.

Conclusion:

The prevalence of untreated depression in older adults with access to health services is highly significant. It is urgent the generation of protocols, programs and training of health professionals that allow to identify the pathology and provide comprehensive care for that age group.

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