Factors influencing entry level Beck Depression Inventory scores of in- and outpatient populations : an archival study

This exploratory study compared two groups of patients diagnosed with a major depressive disorder in a private psychiatric clinic: an inpatient group and a drug study research outpatient group. The two groups were found to be significantly different from each other in level of depression at intake as measured by the Beck Depression Inventory, with outpatients more depressed. There were significant differences between the groups in the proportions having insurance, with the inpatient group being 98% covered by insurance. Sociodemographics as predictors for level of depression revealed that only marital status in the inpatient group was a significant predictor of level of depression. Specific questions about future research were posed.