Subjective lack of social support and presence of dependent stressful life events characterise patients suffering from major depression compared to healthy volunteers

• The aim of this study was to characterise and compare patients with major depression and healthy volunteers concerning stressful negative life events, social support and social network occurring during a 12-month period. Forty outpatients who fulfilled DSM-IV criteria for Major Depression and nineteen healthy volunteers were included in the study. The results showed no significant differences between the patients and the volunteers concerning number of independent life events, perceived sufficient persons in the network, number of family members, having a partner, and perceiving family members as offering the best support. Thus, there were differences in number of both dependent stressful life events, especially increased arguments with partner and family members, and life events including personal illness. The patient group had experienced a greater number of this events compared to the volunteer group. Comparisons between the two groups revealed differences concerning social support and social network. Fewer patients, especially women, felt they had sufficient social support, had fewer persons in the network, less contact with persons in the network, and fewer confidants compared to the volunteers.

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