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Description: Nonverbal expressive behavior is associated to reflex responses and highlights negative emotional and social processes that underlie depression. We analyzed the nonverbal behavior of depressed and healthy individuals during brief interviews. Methods: 56 female depressed outpatients, from public hospitals in Brazil, and 64 female healthy volunteers were evaluated by depression scales and 15-minute recorded interview. A judge analyzed participant´s behavior through 21-category ethogram. Results: patients displayed more behaviors related to negative feelings (ex. head down, cry) than controls. Severity of depression was associated with patients´ silence, head down and tight lips. Conclusion: nonverbal behavior differentiates depressed patients from controls. Patients display less pro social behaviors than controls. Patients´ silence, head down and tight lips may indicate more severe depression.