Coping Strategies in Patients with Bipolar Disorder (BD) and Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and Their Correlation with Clusters of Psychiatric Symptoms

<b>Background:</b> Adjustment to stress requires the involvement of coping strategies. Using maladaptive coping strategies may precipitate the onset or recurrence of psychiatric disorders. On the other hand, the illness itself may alter the coping mechanisms of an individual. This study aims to identify the coping strategies in patients with bipolar disorder (BD) and major depressive disorder (MDD) and determine the correlation between coping strategies and clusters of psychiatric symptoms. <b>Material and Methods:</b> Socio-demographic and clinical data were analyzed for 30 inpatients with BD and 30 inpatients with MDD. The SCL-90 questionnaire and COPE inventory were filled in by the participants. <b>Results:</b> Compared to the general population, the patients with BD had lower scores for functional coping strategies and higher scores for one dysfunctional coping strategy. The patients with MDD had lower scores for all active functional and two passive functional coping strategies. By contrast, they presented higher scores on one passive functional and one dysfunctional coping strategy. Positive reinterpretation and growth were negatively correlated with somatization, depression, anxiety, interpersonal sensitivity, hostility, and psychoticism. Behavioral disengagement was positively correlated with depression, anxiety, somatization, interpersonal sensitivity, and psychoticism. Substance use was positively correlated with the number of episodes. Distinct coping mechanisms were associated with certain symptom clusters. <b>Conclusions:</b> Although dysfunctional coping strategies may predispose to psychiatric disorders, in our study, they appear to be state-dependent rather than trait-dependent.