Relation between quality of life and coping and social behaviour in depression

Quality of life in depression is much influenced by the severity of depressed mood. Little is known about the relationship between quality of life and social functioning. A group of 211 patients with a major depression is examined for links between quality of lift: and coping/social behaviour, severity of depression and demographic characteristics. Analysis of demographic features indicated a trend that quality of life is related to gender. Quality of life was lowest for eldery women in the patient group and is closely linked to severity of depression. As regards coping. active approach, and seeking social support are associated with a higher quality of life. Passive lifestyle and avoidance are associated with lower quality of life. The different aspects of social functioning are all linked to quality of life. It emerges that the medical model (illness determines quality of life) is more applicable to depressive patients than the psychosocial model. The implications of these results are discussed.