Depression and women with spinal cord injury

This study examines the phenomenon of depression among 64 women living with SCI for at least two years who were interviewed in a clinic setting. The high prevalence (59.4%) of clinically significant depressive symptomatology as measured by the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) was associated primarily with perceived stress. Other correlates included social support, vitality, social isolation, mobility, pain, unemployment, and current abuse. Findings suggest that women with SCI may be at elevated risk for depression, especially those women who perceive their lives as highly stressful and who lack social support.