Objective:To explore the features of family environment and parental rearing of the patients with depression.Methods:Ninety-eight patients with depression and 100 healthy volunteer were assessed with the family environment scale(FES-CV) and egna minnen av barndoms uoofostran(EMBU).Results:Compared with normal controls

the scores of factors of cohesion

emotion expression

independence

achievement

entertainment and sense of organization of the depressive family were obviously lower(P<0.01);intelligence was lower(P<0.05)

while the scores of factors of conflict was higher in the patients(P< 0.01).There were no significant differences in the scores of ethical-religion and control factors(P>0.05).Compared with normal controls

the scores of parental warmth and understanding were lower in the depressive family(P<0.01);the scores of factors of punishment

rejection

over protection of father and over intervention and protection of mother were higher(P<0.01).Conclusion:There are some defects in the family function

family structure and parental rearing in patients with depression.It is necessary to improve the family environment and communication pattern of the family members to help the patients recovery earlier.