[Coping with depressive disorders]

Coping behavior was assessed in 40 depressed patients during their hospitalization and 2 months later. Patients completed an antidepressive activity questionnaire and were interviewed. External assessment and patient self-assessment showed significant differences between patients with monopolar or bipolar depressive disorders and those with neurotic/reactive disorders. Patients treated with antidepressants reported more frequent and effective coping behaviors. There is a fundamental difficulty in distinguishing differentiate between symptoms of depression and certain coping behaviors (eg withdrawal). Only a longitudinal analysis of individual cases could help us to differentiate.