Revising the definition of depression: implications for future research

Holtzheimer and Mayberg propose that the current concept of depression is misguiding basic and clinical research. The redefinition that they are suggesting includes a focus on a more narrowly defined set of core symptoms. They conclude that depression is better defined as the tendency to enter into, and inability to disengage from, a negative mood state rather than the mood state per se. They discuss the implications for future clinical and basic research.
Holtzheimer PE and Mayberg HS: Stuck in a rut: rethinking depression and its treatment. Trends in Neurosciences 34: 1-9 (2011).
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21067824