Typology of interactive models in depression.

Despite the increasing diffusion of the illness there is poor systemic investigation in the area of depression. This study examines the typology of interactive models of the depressed patient in the couple relationship, with the family of origin, the children, the outside world and the therapist. The couple relationship usually becomes an helping relationship with the depressive patients that assumes the "care eliciting" while the partner develops the "care giving" attitude. Sequential disqualification and negative self fulfilling prophecy are as well typical of the depressive couple. An intrusive bind with families of origin is very often activated by depressive behavior, and a transgenerational competition for taking care of one relative's chronic inability may rise. Some guidelines for a specific therapeutic strategy for depressive families together with some case examples are given. The role of the therapist's own depressive feelings when working with this type of families is considered.