Objective: The differential impact of mental disorders on health care utilization and illness behaviour in old age should be studied.
Methods: In a representative population sample of men and women aged 50 years and older (n = 1.185) mental disorders (depression, somatisation and panic syndrome), health care utilization and illness behaviour were assessed by means of self rating instruments.
Results: About 10 % of the study sample fulfil the criteria of at least one mental disorder. Older people with mental disorders showed a significantly increased health care utilization compared to people without mental disorders. They especially visit general practitioners but did not show an extended number of psychiatrists' or psychotherapists' visits. Mental disorders are associated with divergent illness behaviour. Regression analysis revealed that somatic complaints and depression were independent predictors of illness behaviour and health care utilization.
Conclusions: General practitioners get a central function in the health care system for older people with mental disorders. More attention should be paid to the detection of mental disorders in older people and the special requirements of this subgroup of patients.