Selections from current literature: minor depression

The term "minor depression" has had several accepted definitions with differing diagnostic criteria. A review of papers published during the period 1991-1996, in which minor depression was a component of the study, demonstrates the extent of these differences. The heterogeneity of definitions of minor depression has been an obstacle to research on a mental disorder that appears to have a high prevalence and causes significant functional disability. As a result of these differing definitions, there is uncertainty about its natural history and prevalence, and whether therapy is beneficial. Agreement on a standard definition is necessary for investigations that are required to describe adequately these components of minor depression. This paper details the variety of definitions of minor depression and suggests use of the research diagnostic criteria published in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, fourth edition (DSM-IV) in future research.