Comparison of DSM-III-R chronic major depression and major depression superimposed on dysthymia (double depression): validity of the distinction

• Published in: Journal of abnormal psychology (1965) Vol. 109; no. 3; p. 419
• Main Authors: McCullough, Jr, J P, Klein, D N, Keller, M B, Holzer, 3rd, C E, Davis, S M, Kornstein, S G, Howland, R H, Thase, M E, Harrison, W M
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States 01.08.2000
• Subjects: Adult; Comorbidity; Depressive Disorder, Major - diagnosis; Depressive Disorder, Major - psychology; Dysthymic Disorder - diagnosis; Dysthymic Disorder - psychology; Female; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Psychiatric Status Rating Scales - statistics & numerical data; Psychometrics; Reproducibility of Results
• ISSN: 0021-843X
• DOI: 10.1037/0021-843X.109.3.419

The nosology of chronic depression has become increasingly complex since the publication of the revised third edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-III-R; American Psychiatric Association, 1987), but there are few data available to evaluate the validity of the distinctions between the subtypes of chronic depression. The validity of the distinction between DSM-III-R chronic major depression (CMD) and major depression superimposed on dysthymia (double depression, DD) was examined. Participants were 635 patients with chronic depression in a 12-week trial of antidepressant medications. Patients with CMD, DD, and a 3rd group with a chronic major depressive episode superimposed on dysthymia (DD/CMD) were compared on demographic and clinical characteristics, family history, and response to treatment. Few differences were evident, although the depression of patients with DD/CMD tended to be more severe.