Abstract

OBJECTIVES:

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.