Mood disorders: developmental and precipitating events.

A consecutive sample of 298 mainly non psychotic outpatients was classified according to DSM-III criteria. The differences in the reports from childhood and the precipitating events among the various subgroups of mood disorders (bipolar disorder, major depression, cyclothymic disorder, dysthymic disorder) and a residual group of patients with other mental disorders were examined. The patients in the non bipolar group reported more traumatic childhood experiences than the patients in the bipolar group. Precipitating events among patients in the group with major depression consisted more often of acute external stressors. Developmental factors and precipitating events in adulthood seem to be relevant in differentiating between the depressive disorders. The study supports the validity of the unipolar-bipolar distinction. The cyclothymic group seem to be a special variant of the major mood disorders.