title: [Reevaluation of melancholic depression].
abstract: 15 operational definitions for melancholic depression and their validation studies are reviewed. None of these definitions have yet been conclusively validated. Using a different approach, we attempt to validate melancholic symptoms rather than operational definitions for melancholia. The aim is to define, by means of a review of genetic, biological and therapeutical studies, a "biological symptomatic profile" that responds to somatic therapies. Psychomotor and appetite disturbances, early awakening, anhedonia and psychotic symptoms seem more likely to reflect this biological dysfunction in melancholia. Confounding variables such as symptom stability, severity of depression and possible subtypes of melancholia are also discussed.
authors.affiliation: Service de Psychiatrie, Hôpital Erasme, Bruxelles, Belgique.
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Staner
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000523:psychology*; D003907:Dexamethasone; D006801:Humans; D011594:Psychometrics; D012895:Sleep, REM
chemical_list: D003907:Dexamethasone
vernacular_title: Réévaluation du concept de la dépression mélancolique.