Do self-criticism and somatic symptoms play a key role in chronic depression? Exploring the factor structure of Beck depression inventory-II in a sample of chronically depressed inpatients.

What is it about?

The factor structure of depression differs for different sub-samples. We explored the factor structure of Beck Depression Inventory-II in patients with chronic depression The factor structure in our sample was best explained by a general depression factor, one specific factor pertaining to self-criticism, and one consisting of the somatic items fatigue, disturbance of sleep, and appetite.

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Why is it important?

There is considerable heterogeneity in symptom profiles between subgroups of depressed patients. Our results suggest self-criticism and somatic symptoms may play a key role in chronic depression and could be potential treatment targets. This could have implications for treatment choice as different treatments may have differential effects for specific symptoms of depression.