Abstract
We assessed the descriptive validity of DSM-III-R major depression (MDD), dysthymia (DD) and adjustment disorder with depressed mood (ADDM) by comparing the clinical profiles of 176 young male patients. The severity of depression increased progressively across the three diagnostic groups (ADDM <DD <MDD). Symptom presentation did not distinguish clearly between the diagnostic groups, even though somatic symptoms were more frequent among MDD patients. The prevalence of personality disorders was much higher (43%) among DD patients than among MDD (22%) and ADDM (15%) patients. The lifetime prevalence of suicide attempts differed in the three diagnostic groups (MDD 27%, DD 17%, ADDM 4%). Assessment of Axis II comorbidity and suicidal behavior can improve the diagnostic distinction between these DSM-III-R depressive illnesses.
Original language | English |
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Pages (from-to) | 141-148 |
Number of pages | 8 |
Journal | Journal of Affective Disorders |
Volume | 39 |
Issue number | 2 |
DOIs | |
Publication status | Published - Jul 8 1996 |
Keywords
- Adjustment disorder
- Dysthymia
- Major depression
- Nosography
- Personality disorder
- Suicidal behaviour
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Psychiatry and Mental health
- Behavioral Neuroscience
- Biological Psychiatry
- Neurology
- Psychology(all)