[The capacity for mentalization in depressive patients: a pilot study].
OBJECTIVE
Mentalization has been primarily investigated in Borderline Personality Disorders. This pilot study takes the first step toward investigating mentalization in depressive patients.


METHODS
First, we present the theoretical background of the concept of mentalization and previous studies. Secondly, we report the results of this pilot study. 20 female inpatients suffering from Major Depressive Disorder were investigated with SKIDI+II, depression-scales (HAM-D, BDI), cognitive tests (TMT, MCVCT), and the Adult Attachment Interview (AAI), rated according to the Reflective Functioning Scale (RF Scale).


RESULTS
Depressed patients showed less capacity for mentalization (RF = 2.3) than did borderline patients (RF approximately 3) and healthy individuals (RF approximately 5). Comorbidity with dependent personality disorder correlated with higher RF scores, while comorbidity with schizoid personality disorder correlated with lower RF scores.


CONCLUSIONS
Moderate to severe depression goes along with a breakdown of mental capacity. Further research should focus on investigating changes in the capacity for mentalization in remission and changes in the course of psychotherapeutic treatments.
Fischer-Kern
Melitta
M
Universitätsklinik für Psychoanalyse und Psychotherapie, Medizinische Universität Wien. melitta.fischer-kern@meduniwien.ac.at
Tmej
Anna
A
Kapusta
Nestor D
ND
Naderer
Andrea
A
Leithner-Dziubas
Katharina
K
Löffler-Stastka
Henriette
H
Springer-Kremser
Marianne
M
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001364:Awareness; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000523:psychology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D018187:Personal Construct Theory; D010555:Personality Inventory; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011574:Psychoanalytic Theory; D055815:Young Adult