The purpose of this paper is to examine the essential nosological differentiation between melancholic and non-melancholic forms of depression with a view to promoting a meaningful, working typology for clinicians. The paper primarily comprises observations and reflections drawn from clinical practice.
Conclusions:
The most specific symptoms of melancholic depression are described, as are the main varieties of non-melancholic ‘depression’, including demoralisation, grief, loneliness, existential depression and depressive personality.
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