Relationship between dysfunctional cognitions and depressive subtypes.

The results of this study suggest that the relationship between cognitions and severity of depression hypothesized by cognitive theorists may be relevant only to a subgroup of depressives. In a sample of 40 inpatients with major depression who received the Dexamethasone Suppression Test (DST), scores on the Dysfunctional Attitude Scale were equivalent in suppressor and nonsuppressor groups, as well as in melancholic and nonmelancholic depressive groups. Neither was there a difference between suppressors and nonsuppressors on measures of depression. However, in the nonmelancholic group, there was a significant relationship between dysfunctional cognitions and severity of depression. This relationship was not found in the melancholic group. Finally, independent of diagnostic and biological subtype, patients with elevated levels of dysfunctional cognitions when compared with the remaining sample revealed greater severity of depression, more days in hospital and more readmissions to hospital.