TABLE 2.
Phenomenology of Depression Among the Depression Groups
| BRD (n = 42) | LBD (n = 30) | CD (n = 30) | Test | df | p | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| History of depression before death, n (%) | 8 (19.0) | 2 (6.7) | 8 (26.7) | χ2 = 4.23 | 2 | .12 |
| Duration of MDD episode (mo)a (M ± SD) | 12.9 ± 13.9de | 17.6 ± 13.8d | 9.8 ± 13.3e | KW: χ2 = 9.46 | 2 | .009 |
| Mental health treatment, n (%) | 31 (73.8) | 22 (73.3) | 20 (66.7) | χ2 = 0.50 | 2 | .78 |
| Depression Symptoms (n, %) | ||||||
| No. of symptoms (mean ± SD)b | 4.3 ± 1.7 | 4.6 ±1.7 | 5.2 ± 1.9 | F = 2.12 | 2, 85 | .13 |
| Anhedoniaa | 17 (42.5)d | 13 (48.1)de | 21 (77.8)e | χ2 = 8.65 | 2 | .01 |
| Fatigue | 13 (33.3)d | 18 (72.0)e | 17 (68.0)e | χ2 = 11.94 | 2 | .003 |
| Feelings of worthlessness | 11 (27.5)d | 13 (56.5)de | 14 (60.9)e | χ2 = 8.53 | 2 | .01 |
| Inappropriate feelings of guilt | 4 (10.3)d | 3 (14.3)de | 10 (43.5)e | FET | — | .008 |
| Depressed mood | 37 (88.1) | 20 (71.4) | 25 (89.3) | FET | — | .15 |
| Irritability and anger | 24 (60.0) | 16 (72.7) | 12 (52.2) | χ2 = 2.04 | 2 | .36 |
| Suicidality/thoughts of death | 8 (19.5) | 6 (30.0) | 8 (32.0) | χ2 = 1.54 | 2 | .46 |
| Lack of reactivityc | 7 (22.6) | 5 (29.4) | 2 (14.3) | FET | — | .62 |
| Sleep difficulties | 25 (64.1) | 14 (63.6) | 20 (71.4) | χ2 = 0.48 | 2 | .79 |
| Concentration | 18 (42.9) | 15 (60.0) | 12 (46.2) | χ2 = 1.92 | 2 | .38 |
| Appetite | 17 (44.7) | 9 (40.9) | 10 (43.5) | χ2 = 0.08 | 2 | .96 |
Note: Items with different superscripts (d, e) are significantly different at α = .017.
BRD = bereavement-related depression (within 2 months of loss) group; CD = depression in controls; FET = Fisher’s exact test; KW = Kruskal–Wallis test; LBD = later depression in the bereaved (≥ 1 year after loss).
Determined by the Longitudinal Follow-up Interview, Adolescent and Adult versions (A-LIFE and LIFE).22
Determined by symptoms counts from the Schedule for Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia for School-Age Children-Present and Lifetime Version (K-SADS-PL) and Structured Clinical Interview for DSM Disorders (SCID-I).20,21
Lack of reactivity of depressed or irritable mood to positive stimuli: short duration and small degree of temporary improvement in mood is associated with positive environmental events.