Decision making in clinically depressed patients: a transcultural social psychological study

Article Abstract:

Depression can interfere with the ability to make decisions. Decision making is also influenced by the individual's culture. The possible interactions among clinical depression, culture and decision making were studied in 59 Australian and 45 Japanese patients being treated for depression; some were outpatients and some were inpatients. The depressed groups were compared with 309 Australian and 743 Japanese university students who were not depressed. The investigators tested subjects for decision making style, including such factors as avoidance, complacency, and hypervigilance; subjects were also evaluated regarding stress and self-esteem during the decision-making process. Results showed that depressed individuals were more concerned about the way they made decisions and the outcomes of these decisions than the nondepressed control subjects. Depressed subjects were consequently more reluctant to make personal decisions and more likely to rely on others for assistance. The role of culture was apparent when results for Australian and Japanese subjects were compared. Depression had a greater adverse effect upon decision-making style in the Australians than in the Japanese. The authors conclude that this is related to the Australian culture's emphasis on the role of the individual, who is responsible for making decisions and for their consequences, while in Japan the relationship of the person to the group is more important and the group assumes some responsibility for the outcome. Therefore, culture and depression interact to affect decision making. It is noted that average subject age was significantly greater in the patient group than the control group, and this could have affected the results. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Decision-making, Decision making, Complications and side effects

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Depressed outpatients' life contexts, amount of treatment, and treatment outcome

Article Abstract:

Depressed patients may have stressors in their lives that influence the outcome of their treatment. Life stressors may include negative events, other medical conditions, or family conflicts. Social resources, such as having a confidant or family support, can have a positive impact on treatment. Patients with a good relationship with a confidant and with less family conflict may require a shorter treatment period. Patients who do not have a confidant and who experience more family conflict may require longer treatment for a positive treatment outcome to be achieved. A model was used to evaluate the impact of life context factors on the outcome of a series of 265 depressed patients. The influence of pre-treatment and post-treatment factors on patient outcome were examined. Strong relationships were seen between post-treatment stressors, social resources, and treatment outcomes. Negative events and family conflicts were associated with more depression. Patients with more social resources before treatment had a somewhat better outcome and required a shorter period of therapy. Family support is considered important in maintaining remission in patients treated for depression. The investigators believe that it is very valuable to consider psychosocial stressors and resources of the depressed patient, since they are often predictive of outcome and influence length of treatment required. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Psychological aspects, Care and treatment, Life change events

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