Behavioral social support between remitted depressed patients with partners and strangers

Background: Social support is associated with depression outcome and is effected by observable behaviors that express involvement. Methods: Eleven remitted depressed patients were studied during a social interaction with their partner and a similar interaction with a stranger, matched on the sex and age of the partner. Results: The patient–partner interaction displayed lower levels of involvement as compared to the patient–stranger interaction despite successful treatment for depression. Conclusion: It is suggested that the findings are reflective of the continuing depressogenic process. Limitations: A healthy control group for the patient–partner group was not employed. Clinical relevance: Behavioral interactions between patients and partners may require as much attention during treatment as depressive symptomology alone.