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Healthy and unhealthy dependence: implications for major depression
Fiona S Schulte1, Myriam Mongrain, David B Flora
1Health and Behavioural Science, University of Toronto, Toronto, Canada.
The British Journal of Clinical Psychology
|April 23, 2008
Summary
Unhealthy dependency predicts major depression recurrence and Axis II disorders in graduate students. Healthy dependency, however, is linked to fewer depressive symptoms, offering new insights into dependency.
Area of Science:
- Psychology
- Psychiatry
Background:
- Dependency is a complex construct with varying levels.
- Previous research has not fully clarified the role of dependency in mood disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how different levels of dependency contribute to Axis I and Axis II disorders.
- To examine the relationship between dependency and the recurrence of major depression in graduate students with a history of the disorder.
Main Methods:
- Participants diagnosed with major depression were assessed for dependency using multiple measures (DEQ, 3VDI, PSI).
- Axis I and Axis II disorders were evaluated at baseline.
- Participants were followed for 20 months to assess depressive episode recurrence.
Main Results:
- Factor analysis identified three dependency levels: 'unhealthy', 'intermediate', and 'healthy'.
- 'Unhealthy' dependency significantly predicted major depression recurrence and Axis II disorders, even after controlling for depression history.
- 'Healthy' dependency was associated with a reduction in depressive symptoms.
Conclusions:
- The findings highlight the differential impact of dependency levels on mental health outcomes.
- Results suggest that 'unhealthy' dependency is a risk factor for recurrent depression and comorbid disorders.
- Conceptualizing dependency as a spectrum with distinct 'healthy' and 'unhealthy' forms is crucial.
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