The authors review the evidence supporting the idea that the family
plays a major role in the development and course of major depression. They
find that the family pathology evident during an acute depressive episode
continues after the patient's remission; that the course of depressive
illness, relapse rates, and suicidal behavior are all affected by family
functioning; and that children of depressed parents are at high risk for
psychopathology. The authors explore unresolved issues regarding our
understanding of the factors mediating the interaction between major
depression and family functioning, concluding that there is evidence to
support family and marital interventions, particularly in the treatment of
depressed women.Abstract Teaser