A Study on Rorschach Depression Index in Patients Suffering from Depression

Abstract

Abstract: Depression Index (DEPI) is one of the specific Rorschach Index developed as a part of the Comprehensive System. There has been a lot of research on Depression Index which identifies individuals who may be emotionally distraught, cognitively pessimistic, lethargic or self defeating. However, there are evidences which show inconsistent results about the depression index when they are used for the purpose of diagnosis of depressive disorder. The main aim of this paper is to study the Depression Index in patients suffering from moderate and severe level of depression. The sample consisted of 30 patients with depression and 30 normal subjects selected by using purposive sampling technique. Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) was administered on the patient group to assess the severity of depressive symptoms and Rorschach Inkblot Test was administered on patients and normal subjects to assess the structure of the personality. General Health Questionnaire-12 (GHQ) was administered as a screening tool in the group of normal control subjects. Results show difference on Depression Index variables among the two groups. No significant correlation was found between BDI scores and DEPI. The diagnostic efficacy was found to be low for DEPI. In conclusion, it can be said that the DEPI has not been found to be very effective in diagnosing depression. Â Key Words: Rorschach Test, Depression Index, depression