title: Prodromal stage of major depression.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The aim of this review was to survey the available literature on prodromal symptoms of unipolar major depression.
  
  
  METHODS
  Both a computerized (Medline) and a manual search of the literature were performed.
  
  
  RESULTS
  In a substantial proportion of patients with depression a prodromal phase can be identified. There is a relationship between residual and prodromal symptomatology (the rollback phenomenon).
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Appraisal of prodromal phase of major depression has important implications as to pathophysiological models of disease and relapse prevention. It may allow a staging system of depressive illness that may yield more enduring results in the therapeutic efforts.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy. giovanniandrea.fava@unibo.it
authors.forename: Giovanni A
authors.initials: GA
authors.lastname: Fava
authors.forename: Eliana
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Tossani
mesh_terms: D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis*; D019937:Diagnostic Techniques and Procedures / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000523:psychology; D018450:Disease Progression; D042241:Early Diagnosis; D006801:Humans