Partnership relations of persons with anxiety and depressive disorders

Abstract

Introduction. The presence of anxiety and depressive disorders in at least one partner adversely affects the quality of partnership relations. The aim of the study is to determine the degree of partner relationship satisfaction in relation to the existence of anxiety and depressive disorders. Methods. The sample included 107 subjects divided into two groups depending on the presence of the above-mentioned disorders: Group 1, 52 examinees with anxiety and depressive disorders; Group 2, 55 examinees without diagnosed anxiety and depressive disorders. The following questionnaires were used: The Spielberger State-Trait Anxiety Inventory-STAI, The Beck's Depression Inventory - BDI, The Relationship Assessment Scale-RAS and The Socio-demographic questionnaire. Results. There was no a statistically significant difference between the two groups in socio-demographic characteristics, but the substance use disorder (ch2 = 20.90, p < 0.001) and fears in the family (ch2 = 13.62, p < 0.001) were more prevalent among the members of group 1 compared to the control group. The patients who were diagnosed with anxiety and depressive disorders achieved higher scores on all the scales. There was a statistically significant difference of high intensity between group 1 and group 2 on the Relationship Satisfaction Scale (25.56 ± 6.86 vs. 30.26 ± 4.47; p < 0.001). There was a statistically significant negative correlation between depression and anxiety as personality trait and current state and the Relationship Satisfaction Scale, whereby there was the strongest correlation between the Scale and anxiety as personality trait (p < 0.01). Conclusion. The results of the study indicate the connection between anxiety and depressive disorders and partnership relations, which can be the starting point for the relationship education and counseling, as well as for the further research in this field.