Quality of life of patients with unipolar depression

Abstract

Introduction. Quality of life has gained increasing attention as an important component of functional outcome in mood disorders. The aim of our study was to investigate the relationship between unipolar depression and quality of life. Material and methods. The group consisted of 84 patients with unipolar depression (depressive episode or recurrent depression, without psychotic presentation) and 30 healthy controls. We applied socio demographic questionnaire, World Health Organization Quality of Life-Brief and The Patient Health Questionnaire - 9. Results. The impact of unipolar depression on quality of life was significant. The patients had significantly lower scores in all 4 domains of quality of life (Physical health, Psychological health, Social relations, Environment) compared with healthy controls. The biggest influence was on physical (43.71 vs. 76.67) and psychological (36.01 vs. 65.83) domains. The quality of life decreased with the increase of severity of depressive episode and duration of current episode, as well as with incidence of depressive episodes. The absence of emotional relationship had also a very negative influence. There were no differences in quality of life between male and female depressive patients. The level of education had an impact on physical and psychological domain. Discussion. Generally, the quality of life in unipolar depression is very modest. One of the reasons for such influence could be the main pathological factor in depression - negative view of self world and future. Beside that, the reason could be significant psychological suffering and decreased function in depression. Conclusion. Unipolar depression has negative influence on quality of life.