[Self concept and object relations in patients with monopolar and neurotic depression: a clinical study with the...

A psychodynamic concept of depression is presented which refers to object-relation-theory. It is hypothesized that there is a dynamic interrelationship between the narcissistic homeostasis and interpersonal mechanisms of defence and compensation. The perception of the self and objects of patients with unipolar and neurotic depression and their partners was compared by means of the Giessen-Test. Both clinical groups differ according to the complement of roles and to projective mechanisms of defence. The depression of male patients collides with gender role stereotypes, which are stressed by the self images of depressive women. With regard to therapeutical interventions it is recommended to take into consideration the psychodynamic and interpersonal dimension of depression as well as the conflict resulting from the social-psychological dimension of depression, especially those of depressive male patients.