Abstract: Objective To investigate the psychological status of family members of patients with depression, and discuss the health education pathway. Methods The families of 200 inpatients with major depression accepted systemic health education about depression according to the investigation of the self-designed questionnaire. They were assessed with Self-rating Depression Scale (SDS) and Self-rating Anxiety Scale (SAS) when the patients admitted and accepted 8 weeks of treatment. Results The score of SDS was more than 50 in 76.5% families of patients, and it was 79.0% for SAS when admission. The scores of SDS and SAS reduced after education (P<0.01). Conclusion Health education can improve the psychology of family members of patients with depression.

Key words: depression, family, psychological status, health education