However, none
of these studies differentiated between major and bipolar
depression. These findings show that mature defenses such
as the realistic anticipation of or planning for future inner
discomfort (anticipation), the overt expression of feelings
without personnel discomfort or immobilization and without
unpleasant effect on others (humor) and the gratification of
an impulse whose goal is retained but whose aim or object
is changed from a socially objectionable one to a socially
valued one (sublimation), decrease during depressive
episode in both major and bipolar depressive disorder
patients 39. Ours is the first study in the literature to show that
mature defenses decrease during depressive episodes, not
only in major depression, but also in bipolar depression.
Psychotherapeutic measures directed toward increasing
mature defenses may be beneficial in the treatment of
depressive episodes in both major and bipolar depression.