Clinical and Demographic Factors Associated With DSM-IV Melancholic Depression

Abstract

Among outpatients with MDD, melancholic features were less likely in Hispanic patients, but more likely in slightly younger patients and in men. Melancholic features were also related to a slightly shorter current episode. These findings are consistent with the notion that external socio-demographic factors do not play an important role in the pathophysiology of melancholic depression.

Depressive and anxiety disorders: Associated with losing or gaining weight over 2 years?

“…Atypical depression is characterized by mood reactivity and at least 2 symptoms of vegetative reversal (including overeating, oversleeping, severe fatigue or leaden paralysis, and a history of rejection sensitivity) (Stewart and Thase, 2007). Melancholic depression is characterized by lack of mood reactivity or loss of pleasure and at least 3 symptoms of distinct mood quality (including mood worse in the morning, early morning awakening, psychomotor retardation or agitation, anorexia/weight loss and guilt feelings) (Kahn et al, 2008). Age of onset of the disorder was assessed with the CIDI interview.…”

Income and attrition in the treatment of depression: a STAR*D report

“…Items from the IDS-C 30 and the HRSD 17 were used to define anxious, [36] atypical, [37] and melancholic [38] features.…”

Diurnal mood variation in outpatients with major depressive disorder

“…Patients with melancholic features make up a significant portion (19%) [21,22] of outpatients with major depressive disorder (MDD). However, studies of outcomes with antidepressant medications in those with melancholic features have reported varied results.…”