Reviewing the diagnostic validity and utility of mixed depression (depressive mixed states).
OBJECTIVE
To review the diagnostic validity and utility of mixed depression, i.e. co-occurrence of depression and manic/hypomanic symptoms.


METHODS
PubMed search of all English-language papers published between January 1966 and December 2006 using and cross-listing key words: bipolar disorder, mixed states, criteria, utility, validation, gender, temperament, depression-mixed states, mixed depression, depressive mixed state/s, dysphoric hypomania, mixed hypomania, mixed/dysphoric mania, agitated depression, anxiety disorders, neuroimaging, pathophysiology, and genetics. A manual review of paper reference lists was also conducted.


RESULTS
By classic diagnostic validators, the diagnostic validity of categorically-defined mixed depression (i.e. at least 2-3 manic/hypomanic symptoms) is mainly supported by family history (the current strongest diagnostic validator). Its diagnostic utility is supported by treatment response (negative effects of antidepressants). A dimensionally-defined mixed depression is instead supported by a non-bi-modal distribution of its intradepression manic/hypomanic symptoms.


CONCLUSIONS
Categorically-defined mixed depression may have some diagnostic validity (family history is the current strongest validator). Its diagnostic utility seems supported by treatment response.
Benazzi
Franco
F
Hecker Psychiatry Research Center, University of California at San Diego, San Diego, CA, USA. francobenazzi@fbenazzi.it
D000328:Adult; D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001714:Bipolar Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology; D015897:Comorbidity; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000453:epidemiology; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D005190:Family; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D038801:International Classification of Diseases; D008297:Male; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D011594:Psychometrics; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D009626:Terminology as Topic; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D000928:Antidepressive Agents