Distinguishing between depression and anxiety has been a matter of concern and controversy for some time. Studies in normal samples have suggested, however, that assessment of two broad mood factors-Negative Aflect (NA) and Positive Affect (PA)-may improve their differentiation. The present study extends these findings to a clinical sample. As part of an ongoing twin study, 90 inpatient probands and 60 cotwins were interviewed with the anxiety and depression sections of the Diagnostic Interview Schedule (DIS; Robins, Helzer, Croughan, & Ratcliff, 1981). Respondents also completed trait NA and PA scales. Consistent with previous research, NA was broadly correlated with symptoms and diagnoses of both anxiety and depression, and acted as a general predictor of psychiatric disorder. In contrast, PA was consistently related (negatively) only to symptoms and diagnoses of depression, indicating that the loss of pleasurable engagement is a distinctive feature of depression. The results suggest that strengthening the PA component in depression measures may enhance their discriminative power.
HEALING STORIES CONFRONT PREACHERS with formidable challenges. One pastoral problem involves the reality of suffering and pain within our congregations. Yes, Jesus was in the healing business. And yes, we believe God still works to effect healing. But how many weeks may a preacher extol Jesus' healing ministry in a given year? One group of researchers estimates that over 30% of Americans live with chronic pain (Catherine B. Johannes et al., "The Prevalence of Chronic Pain in United States Adults: Results of an Internet-Based Survey,"
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