DEPRESSIONROOTS IN VIEWPOINTS OF DEPRESSED PATIENTS' FAMILY

Depression is the most common mood disorder and there is no consensus about
its’ causes. Theoretical models of the etiology of depression are diverse. Families have allegiance of
different treatment, based on the model they have accepted so recognition of their experiences about
affecting factors to incidence of depression will help nurses to plan and implement appropriate care
based on depression patients' needs and their families The aim of this study was to explain the
experiences of families about affecting factors to incidence of depression.
Materials & Methods: This is a qualitative research that was done using conventional content analysis
method. 23 family members of the patients suffering from depression referred to Razi psychiatric
clinic in Tehran were selected using purposeful sampling. Unstructured and in-depth interviews were
applied to collect data. The interviews were transcribed and constant comparison analysis was applied.
MaxQDA2007 software was used to manage the data.
Result: According to family experiences, affecting factors to incidence of depression have mainly root
in personal, psychological, social and cultural factors. These factors are extracted in 4 main categories.
They are "change in life”, “conflict in the family”, “unpleasant events” and "vulnerable personality".
Change is always accompanied with stress. Lacks, the absence of loved ones, financial failure and
physical illnesses are the changes that can make people susceptible to depression. Marital
disagreements and misunderstanding between family members also lead to conflict in families and
predispose to depression. Unpleasant events in life time and didn't meet needs and demand are another
factor that has impact on outbreak/incidence of depression. In addition, dependent personality, lack of
self confidence and isolation are also risk factors for depression.
Conclusion: Affecting factors to incidence of depression are multi-factorial. Nurses' could implement
appropriate psychological educations for prevention and fallow-up if they have aware of perceived
affecting factors by families