[Stress and psychometrics]

Abstract

The ICD-10 classification system of psychiatric disorders does not distinguish between primary and secondary (stress-related) depression. However, the stimulus-response models both for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (a single, life-threatening event) and for exhaustion depression (multiple distressing life events) can, when untreated, progress into the full clinical picture of depression. In these cases the Hamilton Depression Scale (HAM-D) should be used so that the specific depression state (HAM-D6), the unspecific arousal syndrome (HAM-D9), and the suicidal behaviour (HAM-D2) are revealed. In PTSD patients the unspecific arousal syndrome (HAM-D9) is the first syndrome to emerge, typically after the two first weeks.