MAJOR DEPRESSION - BEHAVIORAL PARAMETERS OF DEPRESSION AND RECOVERY

This paper reports on an ethological study of 11 depressed hospitalize d subjects. Major depression and recovery are described in terms of ge neral behavioral traits, i.e., behavior parameters. The hypothesis, th at the primary behavioral feature of major depression is a reduction o f social interaction and that secondary features are reduced self occu pation and body mobility (posture flexibility) is tested. The behavior al patterns of depression and recovery are described and elucidated by 12 defined behavioral parameters, eight of which show significant cha nges between the first and the last hospital week. Findings from six o f the parameters are consistent with the hypothesis and demonstrate so cial inhibition during depression; interactions between depression and nonverbal behavior are particularly striking. Findings also confirm t hat, during depression, self occupation and body mobility are reduced to a less significant degree than social inhibition. Possible relation ships between findings and agitated forms of major depression are disc ussed. A final section examines findings in an evolutionary context an d emphasizes their clinical implications.