Dimensions of perceived social support in clinically depressed and nondepressed female caregivers.

The relationship between social support and depression was studied in 165 women caring for frail family members. The Arizona Social Support Interview Schedule which includes 4 dimensions of availability and use of resources and satisfaction with and need for support, was used to examine 7 categories of supportive activity. Depression was assessed according to Research Diagnostic Criteria with the Schedule of Affective Disorders and Schizophrenia