Contextual evaluation of social adversity in the management of depressive disorder

Abstract

Contextual rating of social adversity has its origins in the work of George Brown and colleagues (Brown & Harris, 1978). This review evaluates its strengths and weaknesses in rating the effects of social adversity on depressive disorder. We write from the perspective of its usefulness for clinical and training purposes both to the consultant psychiatrist and to the community mental health team working in general adult psychiatry.