Abstract

Objectives: The comparison of defence mechanisms and coping strategies in individuals with generalized anxiety disorder and major depressive disorder and normal subjects was the aim of the present study.

Method: The statistical population of the present study included individuals with generalized anxiety disorder, major depressive disorder and normal subjects who had presented to public and private psychiatric consultation centers in the city of Ardabil (Iran) and had been diagnosed by psy-chiatrists according to DSM-IV criteria. 171 individuals from among the subjects presenting to eight centers were selected using structured sampling. In this retrospective, causal-comparitive and correlational study, Folkman and Lazarus Coping Strategies Questionnaire and Defense Mechanisms Questionnaire were used for gathering data. Data were analyzed through two factor variance analysis, the Least Statistical Difference (LSD) test and Pearson’s correlation test.

Results: There was no significant difference in the mean scores of coping strategies between subjects with generalized anxiety disorder and those with major depressive disorder, but the mean score of avoidance coping was higher in the first group than the second (p<0.05). On the other hand, the subjects with the above-mentioned disorders had a lower mean score of social support seeking coping in comparison with normal individuals (p<0.001). The mean score of highly adaptive defensive mechanisms was higher in subjects with generalized anxiety compared to subjects with major depression (p<0.05). Also, the mean scores of negative levels, function, disorganized defense and psychological avoidance were higher in the second group in comparison with the first (p<0.04).

Conclusion: Maladaptive defence machanisms have a higher mean in major depressive disorder. However, the mean of avoidance coping is higher in generalized anxiety disorder compared to major depressive disorder. Therefore, attempting to decrease the application of avoidance coping and increasing the use of problem oriented coping instead of emotion oriented coping can cause a reduction in the experience of depression and anxiety in both sexes.