[Differential diagnosis of melancholic depression - a multidimensional study].

OBJECTIVES

Findings are lacking that would prove the validity of the present classification of depressive disorders (ICD-10 and DSM-IV). For most depressions, such as nonmelancholic depression, personality style plays an important role for overcoming the stressful situation.

METHODS

During a 3-month follow-up-study we compared a sample of 50 depressed patients with a sample of 50 non-depressed people and further investigated subtypes of the wider class of so-called nonmelancholic depression.

RESULTS

We found significant differences between the temperament and personality styles of the depressed and non-depressed subjects. The depressed sample showed significantly more anxiety, interpersonal sensitivity, social avoidance and reservations. An analysis of the subtypes of nonmelancholic depression confirmed the existence of a hostile and anxious depression, but not of an obsessive depression.

DISCUSSION

A multidimensional model for the classification of depressive disorders would appear to be beneficial. It is indispensable for future differential diagnosis and treatment efficiency that the various temperament and personality styles ("neurotic depression") be explored.