Is the naturalistic course of depression in older people related to received support over time? Results from a longitudinal population‐based study

Objectives To test the interrelation of the naturalistic course of depression in older people with long‐term support received. Design Longitudinal cohort study. Methods A sample of 277 adults age 55–85 years participating in the Longitudinal Aging Study Amsterdam, with clinically relevant depressive symptoms at baseline (scores ≥16 on the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale) were followed up over a period of 13 years. General estimating equations were used to examine the relation between depression course and emotional/instrumental support received over time. In addition, partner status, gender, and age were tested as modifiers. Results A 2‐way interaction between depression courses types and time showed significant differences in instrumental support received over time in older people with a late‐life depression. Three‐way interactions showed that associations between depression course and support variables were modified by gender and partner status. Conclusion Both men and singles, with a chronic course of depression may be at risk to lose emotional and instrumental support over time. Professional attention is needed to prevent a chronic course of late‐life depression, and to preserve personal social networks. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.