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Chronic Depression

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  02 January 2018

Jan Scott
Jan Scott*
Affiliation:
University Department of Psychiatry, Royal Victoria Infirmary, Newcastle upon Tyne NE1 4LP
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Abstract

Defining chronic depression as persistent symptoms for 2 or more years, a prevalence of chronic depression of 12–15% is found in the literature. A four-part classification of chronic depression is proposed: Chronic Primary Major Depression; Chronic Secondary Major Depression; Characterological or Chronic Minor Depression (Dysthymic Disorder); and ‘Double Depression’. The literature indicates several factors predicting chronicity in primary major depression: more at risk are female patients, particularly those with premorbid neurotic personality traits, individuals with unipolar disorders, and those with higher familial loading for such disorders. Other factors are the adequacy and appropriateness of the treatment given, and the length of illness episode prior to treatment being received. Larger studies with well-matched controls are needed.

Type
Review Article
Information
The British Journal of Psychiatry , Volume 153 , Issue 3 , September 1988 , pp. 287 - 297
Copyright
Copyright © Royal College of Psychiatrists, 1988 

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