Behavioral characteristics of subthreshold depression

J Affect Disord. 2014 Oct:168:472-5. doi: 10.1016/j.jad.2014.07.018. Epub 2014 Jul 23.

Abstract

Background: This study examines differences in behavioral characteristics among individuals who are not depressed and individuals with subthreshold depression, and depression.

Methods: We conducted structured interviews with 111 undergraduate students, who also completed self-report scales. The participants were divided into a non-depression group, a subthreshold depression group, and a depression group based on results of the structured interview and the BDI-II.

Results: There were significant differences in avoidance between depression group and other two groups. Also, for the environmental rewards, there were significant difference between the non-depressed group and the other two groups.

Limitations: The sample of depressed participants was small. The overall sample consisted only undergraduate students.

Conclusions: This study reported that there are different behavioral characteristics among non-depression, subthreshold depression, and depression groups. Whereas depression group is characterized by high frequency of avoidance and low environmental rewards, subthreshold depression group is characterized by only low environmental rewards.

Keywords: Behavioral characteristics; Depression; Subthreshold depression.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adolescent
  • Depression / diagnosis
  • Depression / psychology*
  • Depressive Disorder / diagnosis
  • Depressive Disorder / psychology*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Self Report
  • Severity of Illness Index
  • Young Adult