The experience of social support in patients suffering from treatment-refractory depression--a pilot study

The purpose of this study was (1) to ascertain to what extent a group of patients with treatment-refractory depression perceive that they have received sufficient social support, and (2) to define clinical variables that differentiate such patients from those who perceive that they have not received sufficient social support. Twenty-seven treatment-refractory patients with major depression were included in the study. The result showed that only 37% had what was judged as insufficient social support. Those with insufficient and sufficient social support had equally severe depressions, the same number of stressful life events, and the same number of persons in their social network. Patients with insufficient social support were characterized by (1) a subjective conviction that the number of persons in their network was insufficient, and (2) female gender. Emotional support was valued higher than any other kind of support.