The meta theory of selection, optimisation and compensation is a concept of successful coping and especially “successful” aging (1,2). Since depression is the most prevalent psychiatric disorder in old age, we wanted to know whether depression is associated with impairment of SOC-competence on a state or trait basis.

In a pilot study n=50 inpatients took part after informed consent. They were between 21 and 73years old and suffered from a depressive syndrome (F32, F43.2, F33, F43.1, F31, F41.2). Patients with organic and/or psychotic underlying condition werde excluded. We applied a standardised scale, developed by Freund & Baltes (3). Together with standard instruments (MADRS, GDS) at the beginning and the end of inpatient treatment. For this study, data from a representative German study (ALLEE) served as control.

As to be expected, SOC-competence was significantly lower compared to normal values in the depressed state. After remission however, there were no differences left. There were also no significant differences found when comparing a group of younger (<50y) and a group of older (>50y) patients.

We draw the preliminary conclusion that impairments in SOC competence seem to be no trait marker for depression at any age. Further study should test whether there are differences in various subtypes of depression (e.g. early versus late onset, double depression…..).