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Unipolar Depression

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Abstract

This chapter will discuss unipolar depression excluding bipolar depression entirely. Although the approach may be based on a questionable assumption, most psychological research has focused on unipolar depression, excluding those with bipolar conditions, who are thought to have a more biological dysfunction. Unipolar depression is thought of as a syndrome made up of a constellation of associated clinical symptoms and features. DSM-III-R (American Psychiatric Association, 1987) criteria for depression are shown in Table 5.1. Although depression is referred to as an affective syndrome, sad affect is not necessary for the disorder. Lack of affective responsivity (anhedonia), anxiety, or irritable hostility may typify the affective state of depressed people.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychology, University of Houston, Houston, Texas, 77204-5341, USA

    Lynn P. Rehm, James P. LePage & Susanne Bailey

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  1. Lynn P. Rehm
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  2. James P. LePage
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Editors and Affiliations

  1. Center for Psychological Studies, Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, Florida, 33314, USA

    Michel Hersen

  2. Western Pennsylvania School for Blind Children, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, 15213-1499, USA

    Robert T. Ammerman

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Rehm, L.P., LePage, J.P., Bailey, S. (1994). Unipolar Depression. In: Hersen, M., Ammerman, R.T. (eds) Handbook of Prescriptive Treatments for Adults. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4899-1456-9_5

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