Observations and comments on the psychosocial determinants of depressive illness among Nigerian adults.

The psychosocial characteristics of 142 depressive patients seen for the first time at the psychiatric hospital at Enugu were studied. Women (54.9 percent) outnumbered men (45.1 percent). Whereas neurotic depression occurred more commonly in those under 30 years of age, psychotic depression was more often seen in those aged over 30 years. Married status was more common among female psychotic depressives, but was not significant among neurotic depressives. Psychotic depression occurred more often among rural dwellers, whereas neurotic depression was diagnosed more often among urban residents. The majority of the patients had a low level of education. A significant incidence of neurotic depression was observed among students and housewives. The probable sociocultural factors responsible for the observed differences are discussed. A suggestion is made for a central control of all available alternative forms of treatment (orthodox, novel, and traditional) for improved delivery of mental health care.