Several studies suggested the involvement of sensory perception in emotional processes and major affective disorders. Similarly, cognitive capacities and coping strategies are reported to influence quality of life of patients with unipolar and bipolar disorders.

The main objective of this study was to investigate the nature of the association between sensory processing patterns, coping strategies, and quality of life among patients with major affective disorders.

The study aimed to compare unipolar/bipolar patients concerning sensory processing, coping strategies and quality of life (QOL); examine correlations between sensory processing and QOL; investigate the relative contribution of socio-demographic characteristics, sensory processing, and coping strategies to the prediction of QOL.

Two hundred and sixty-seven participants, aged 16–85years (mean=53.6±15.7), 157 diagnosed with unipolar major depressive disorder and 110 with bipolar disorder type I and type II completed the Adolescent/Adult Sensory Profile, Coping Orientations to Problems Experienced, and Short Form 12 Health Survey 2.

The unipolar and bipolar groups did not differ concerning sensory processing, coping strategies, and QOL. Sensory processing patterns correlated with QOL independently of the mediation by coping strategies. Correlations between low registration, sensory sensitivity, sensation avoidance, and reduced QOL were found more frequently in unipolar patients than bipolar patients. Elevated physical QOL was mainly predicted by lower age and lower sensory sensitivity whereas elevated mental QOL was mainly predicted by coping strategies.

Future studies should further investigate the impact of sensory processing and coping strategies on patients’ QOL to enhance adaptive and functional behaviors related to affective disturbances.