Patterns of Interpersonal Problems among Adults with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): A Clinical Study

One of the main characteristics of Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) interpersonal dysfunction. Interpersonal deficit is strongly connected with the severity of symptoms, impairment of functioning, and treatment results. Although increasing attention is being paid to the interpersonal aspect of depression, there is a paucity of empirical data on this facet of depression among Indian clinical populations. The current research investigated the character and the intensity of interpersonal issues among adults with MDD in the Mysuru District, Karnataka State, India. A cross-sectional research design was used. Purposive sampling was applied to mental health environments of Mysuru District where adults with a clinical diagnosis of MDD were chosen according to the ICD 11 criteria. A standardized measure of interpersonal problems was used to measure interpersonal functioning. The analysis of data was performed through descriptive statistics and comparisons of domains. The respondents were found to experience high levels of interpersonal distress in various areas. The notable challenges that were witnessed were social withdrawal, non-assertiveness, overdependence, and sensitivity to interpersonal rejection. Such interpersonal issues implied the occurrence of deprived relational functioning that can be linked to depression symptomology. The results highlight the importance of interpersonal dysfunction in MDD in an Indian clinical setting. Interpersonal interventions and assessment can be introduced into the standard clinical practice in order to expand the effectiveness of the treatment and psychosocial recovery.