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Conference paper

DEPRESSION, FAMILY AND CELLULAR IMMUNITY: INFLUENCE OF FAMILY RELATIONSHIPS AND CELLULAR IMMUNITY ON THE SEVERITY OF DEPRESSION

Nicolas Zdanowicz ; Université Catholique de Louvain, Psychopathology and Psychosomatic Unit, Mont-Godinne University Hospital, Yvoir, Belgium
Christine Reynaert ; Université Catholique de Louvain, Psychopathology and Psychosomatic Unit, Mont-Godinne University Hospital, Yvoir, Belgium
Denis Jacques ; Université Catholique de Louvain, Psychopathology and Psychosomatic Unit, Mont-Godinne University Hospital, Yvoir, Belgium
David Tordeurs ; Université Catholique de Louvain, Psychopathology and Psychosomatic Unit, Mont-Godinne University Hospital, Yvoir, Belgium
Brice Lepiece ; Université Catholique de Louvain, Psychopathology and Psychosomatic Unit, Mont-Godinne University Hospital, Yvoir, Belgium
Julien Maury Maury ; Université Catholique de Louvain, Faculty of Medicinety, Bruxelles, Belgium


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Abstract

Background: Exposure to stress activates the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis through the release of catecholamines, which
modify humoral and cellular immunity. On the one hand, this psycho-immunological theory makes it possible to forge links between
immunity and depression. On the other hand, we know that family determinants are an important variable in the model of
vulnerability to depression. Our study weighs the influence of cellular immunity and family relations on the severity of depression.
Subjects and method: 498 inpatients with major depressive disorder were enrolled in an open-label trial. In addition to a sociodemographic
questionnaire, they completed Olsen’s FACES III and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Flow cytometry was used
to assess lymphocyte subsets.
Results: In terms of immunity, there are correlations between the BDI and percentages of CD3 (p=0.015; r=-0.112), CD4
(p<0.000; r=-0.175), CD4/CD8 (p=0.045; r=-0.093) and CD16 and 56 (p=0.014; r=0.113). In terms of family relationships, there
is a correlation between the BDI and family of origin, both for cohesion (p=0.007; r=-0.169) and adaptability (p=0.035; r=-0.133)
measures. With respect to the relationship between family dynamics and immunity, there are correlations between adaptability in the
family of origin and CD3 (p=0.04; r=0.094) and CD4 (p=0.044; r=0.093). A logistic regression model for family variables
explained 11.4% of the BDI, compared to 12.7% for immune variables, while a model including the two explained 16%.
Conclusions: While both the family and immunity can explain the BDI, it is surprising they have a greater effect in combination
than individually. This suggests that the psycho-immunological theory should look at the relation between immunity and family life,
notably in relation to the family of origin.

Keywords

immunity; family; Olson; depression

Hrčak ID:

264494

URI

https://hrcak.srce.hr/264494

Publication date:

8.9.2015.

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