Defence styles and social adaptation during a depressive episode: Bipolar depression vs. major depression

Abstract

Objective: The aim of this study was to perform a comparative investigation of defense styles in major and bipolar depression patients and to determine the relationship between defense styles and social functions. Method: Patients in an acute depressive episode diagnosed with major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder were included, along with healthy controls. The Defense Styles Questionnaire-40 was used to determine participants' defense styles and the Social Adaptation Self-evaluation Scale to determine social adaptation. Results: Total mature defense scores were lower in both depression groups than in the controls. Total immature defense scores were higher in the bipolar group than in the controls. A positive correlation was determined between social adaptation and mature defense in both depression groups. Self-esteem emerged as a predictor for social adaptation in both depression groups, and depression level as a predictor for social adaptation in the bipolar group. Conclusion: Focus on mature defenses, self-esteem and severity of depression is required in order to enhance social adaptation in depressive episodes.