Introduction: The purpose of this study was to compare the family functioning between patients with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) and physically ill patients with no psychiatric disorder in Isfahan. Method and Materials: In this descriptive-analytic study, three clinics were randomly selected from clinics of psychotherapy in Isfahan, and 30 patients with Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) were randomly selected from the all referees in 2006-2007. The control group consisted of 30 non-psychiatric physically ill patients referred to Al-Zahra hospital in Isfahan. The Bloom’s Family Functioning Scale (FFS) was administered to both groups. Data were analyzed using Analysis of Co-Variance (ANCOVA) and multi-way Analysis Of Variance (multi-way ANOVA) methods.  Findings: The mean scores of family cohesion, family sociability and family idealization were higher in the depressed group compared with the control group (P Discussion: According to the FFS scores, the best predictors of depression were the rates of family cohesion, family sociability and family idealization. Evaluation of family functioning can help psychiatrists, mental health authorities and families in achieving a more comprehensive approach toward the management of the disorder.

Keywords: Family functioning, Major Depressive Disorder, Family Functioning Scale

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