OBJECTIVE: The authors examined the relationship between marital
disruption and major depressive episodes. METHOD: The analyses were based
on longitudinal, community-based data from the New Haven Epidemiologic
Catchment Area (ECA) program on respondents 18-60 years old. The presence
and history of major depression was assessed by using the National
Institute of Mental Health Diagnostic Interview Schedule. RESULTS: Martial
disruption was associated with higher prevalence rates of major depression
in both men and women, but only men had a greater risk of a first-onset
major depression. Differences between men and women in rates of major
depression were observed only among married subjects. CONCLUSIONS: These
findings suggest that the relationship between marital disruption and major
depressive episode differs for men and women. They also provide further
evidence that differences between men and women in rates of depression vary
by marital status.Abstract Teaser