A multifactorial study of life events in depressed patients

• The aim of this study was an attempted elucidation of the possible pathogenic role of life events in the onset and development of depression. Although several authors seem to agree that the impact of life events should be seen in relation to the person experiencing them, no comprehensive studies have been published so far where life events have been analysed in relation to the vulnerability of the individual who becomes depressed. The present study was inspired by Freud’s concept of ”Ergänzungsreihe”, and was based on the general assumption that biological as well as psychological and social factors contribute greatly to modifying an individual’s vulnerability to external events.To test this hypothesis the occurrence of life events was studied by means of a semistructured interview in a consecutive series of 206 depressed patients of both sexes treated as in- or outpatients, and the results have been analysed in relation to a series of variables which could be assumed to be of importance in modifying the vulnerability of the patients. The main hypothesis was that the more vulnerable the individual was in relation to each of the investigated factors, the fewer events would be necessary to produce a depressive breakdown and the more negative would be the experience of such events. Biological, psychological and clinical variables were taken into account in different parts of the present study.The results support the view that the impact of life events should be seen idiosyncratically and in relation to the specific vulnerability of each individual. Furthermore the study illustrates a fruitful approach for further studies aimed at a closer understanding of the role of external events in the development of a depressive illness.

Ämnesord

MEDICIN OCH HÄLSOVETENSKAP  -- Klinisk medicin -- Psykiatri (hsv//swe)

MEDICAL AND HEALTH SCIENCES  -- Clinical Medicine -- Psychiatry (hsv//eng)

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