The aim of this study is to describe the prevalence of depressive symptomatology among a Portuguese non-clinical representative community sample, with ages between 18 and 65. the CES-D as well as a Questionnaire including questions concerning sociodemographic variables, general health variables and interpersonal stress factors were mailed to a sample of 1480 subjects. A phone line was available and local papers asked for collaboration. A high level of depressive symptomatology was found in the general population (17.91 ± 12.14). Considering a cut off score of 20, the prevalence of high depressive symptomatology in the general population was 32%. A gender difference in the prevalence of depressive symptomatology was also founded: it was 43.6% for women and 15.9% for men. the intensity of depressive symptomatology was higher in women(20, 53 ± 13.2) in comparison with men (13, 79 ± 8.9) (t = −5, 16; p = 0.000).

Unemployment and housewife status, low family income levels, low educational level and living in rural areas, low self-perceived general health status, evidence of previous depression episodes and menopause were significantly related with higher CES-D score. Logistic regression has shown women had a double risk of being depressed in comparison with men and housewives and recent unemployeds had a triple risk of being depressed in comparison to employed subjects. Having children and high family income adequacy levels were found to be protective factors of depressive disorders.