C. Bertoli, S. Berardi, G. Maina, F. Bogetto - Vol. 6, Marzo 2000, num.1
Testo Immagini Bibliografia Summary Riassunto Indice
Il disturbo depressivo dovuto a una
condizione medica generale: frequenza e caratteristiche cliniche
Mood disorder due to a medical condition: frequence and clinical features
Background
Mood disorder due to a general medical condition is frequently unrecognized and untreated. The aim of the study is to described the prevalence and the clinical characteristics of patients with diagnosis of mood disorder due to a general medical condition.
Aim and Method
130 outpatients with depressive disorder (DSM-IV) were consecutively investigated. Patients were interviewed with a semistructured clinical interview for the assessment of demographic data, clinical characteristics of mood disorder due to a general medical condition, comorbidity with other mental disorder. The following rating scales were included: Hamilton Rating Scale for depression (HAM-D), Hamilton Rating Scale for Anxiety (HAM-A), patients received also an internistic and neurological examination.
Results
Of the total sample, 14 (10,8%) patients were diagnosed as affected by mood disorder due to a general medical condition with major depressive-like episode. These patients were compared with 92 (70,8%) patients with major depressive disorder. No significant differences between the two sample were found concerning age, gender and educational level. The HAM-D scores were significantly higher in patients affected by mood disorder due to a medical condition. Considering specific symptoms, "sense of guilt" was found significantly more frequent in patients with mood disorder due to a general medical condition.