Coping strategies in an euthymic phase for major depressed patients

Abstract

Background and objectivesThe present study aimed to explore for a better understanding of the dysfunctional coping styles in patients with major depression, making a comparison between an acute and an euthymic phase. MethodsA longitudinal study included 65 patients diagnosed with recurrent major depressive disorder who were twice evaluated, clinically and for coping mechanisms, for the first time during an acute depressive episode and for the second time after 6 months of euthymia. Coping mechanisms were assessed with the Brief COPE scale and the severity of depression was evaluated by the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale — 17 items. For both phases of the illness, depression and euthymia, the results were compared with 35 healthy controls. ResultsEuthymic patients, in comparison with healthy individuals, displayed significant statistical differences (p < 0.05) showing greater use of self-distraction, disengagement, and substance use coping styles. For most of the dysfunctional coping tests applied the scores were found similar for depressed patients and euthymic ones. Also, no significant statistical associations were found between the use of dysfunctional coping mechanisms for the two phases of the examination. ConclusionsEuthymic patients, when compared with healthy controls, showed significant statistical differences in the use of dysfunctional coping strategies. No statistically significant differences were found between the two phases of depression, the use of dysfunctional coping mechanisms being the same.