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Editorial
. 2011 Aug;199(2):85-6.
doi: 10.1192/bjp.bp.110.089094.

When does depression become a mental disorder?

Mario Maj
Editorial

When does depression become a mental disorder?

Mario Maj. Br J Psychiatry. 2011 Aug.

Abstract

How can we differentiate a depressive disorder from 'normal' sadness? This editorial summarises three approaches: the first emphasises the context in which depressive symptoms occur; the second postulates a qualitative difference between the two conditions; and the third argues that the distinction should be based on pragmatic grounds.

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Comment in

  • Depression: a cultural panic attack.
    Geaney DP. Geaney DP. Br J Psychiatry. 2011 Dec;199(6):512; author reply 513. doi: 10.1192/bjp.199.6.512. Br J Psychiatry. 2011. PMID: 22130750 No abstract available.
  • Depression: a cultural panic attack.
    Shepherd A. Shepherd A. Br J Psychiatry. 2011 Dec;199(6):512-3; author reply 513. doi: 10.1192/bjp.199.6.512a. Br J Psychiatry. 2011. PMID: 22130751 No abstract available.

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