Pity the spouse! Depression within marriage

The literature on depression in marriage and the effects of depression on the patient's spouse is reviewed. Current treatments for depression frequently do not result in long‐term recovery. Relatives experience a considerable burden but their needs are often ignored. Typically, they receive very little information from professionals about the patient's illness or how to cope with the difficulties they face. Marital difficulties are sometimes present and may either result from or contribute to one partner's depression. However, problems of an interpersonal nature are usually not addressed once clinical improvement has been achieved. Psychosocial interventions are used only following several relapses. The need for broader assessment and outcome criteria is emphasized. Long‐term recovery may be more likely if interventions are directed at the various problems which exist, rather than concentrating solely on symptom relief. The methods used in the schizophrenia intervention studies and and with “normal” couples may be applicable when one partner is depressed. The few studies which have employed marital therapy as a treatment for depression, either alone or in combination with other therapies, show promising results. Further research is needed to ascertain which approach or combination of approaches is most successful in achieving long‐term recovery in depression.