title: Current concepts in affective disorders.
abstract: Affective disorders have been a topic of research for many years; however, scientists have not yet reached definitive conclusions on the etiology, psychopathophysiology, course, or treatment of these conditions. The author reviews recent developments in phenomenology and course, newly defined entities, epidemiology, etiology, and treatment of affective disorders, with an emphasis on areas of future interest. The phenomenology of affective disorders is discussed in relation to the need for defining homogeneous groups for genetic research, and biologic correlates of depression are presented. Data on the undertreatment of depression demonstrate that the gap between scientific knowledge and clinical practice must be bridged by the dissemination of research findings.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychiatry, Massachusetts General Hospital, Boston 02114.
authors.forename: M B
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Keller
mesh_terms: D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology; D006801:Humans; D019964:Mood Disorders / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000523:psychology
chemical_list: D000928:Antidepressive Agents