A REVIEW OF THE LITERATURE ON THE DIAGNOSIS UNDER STUDY
This study's research focus is on the diagnostic category of clinical depression which, itself, is a subcategory of the larger diagnostic category of mood disorder. Table 1 presents a breakdown of the basic diagnostic category. As can be seen from examination of this table, once clinical depression is diagnosed, the disorder can be classified into a category (Depressive Disorders) as well as a subcategory (Major Depressive Disorders or Dysthymia).
According to the American Psychiatric Association (See: DSM-IV, 1994), there are a number of factors that are common to the diagnosis of all categories and subcategories of depression. These common factors include: no history of a manic episode, and the presence of symptoms, for at least two weeks, that represent a change from the individual's previous functioning.
In general, symptoms indicative of some form of clinical depression include a depressed mood and/or a loss of interest or pleasure. Also, there can be weight loss or weight gain, sleep difficulties, fatigue, feelings of worthlessness, inability to concentrate, and recurrent thoughts of death.
If the episode is the first one, it is classified as a single episode (Major Depressive Episode). For people who have had previous episodes, the disorder is considered a recurrent one. About one-half of those who experience a depressive episode
Clinical Depression: Basic Diagnostic Categories and Subcategories
_________________________________________________________________I. MOOD DISORDER - Depression
General symptoms include depressed mood, feelings of worthlessness or guilt, loss of interest, pessimism, sleep problems, diminished ability to think or concentrate, and weight loss or gain.
Single Episode - Single Major Depressive Episode
Recurrent - Two or more Major Depressive Episodes
Depressed mood is chronic and relatively continual in...