[Diagnosis of depressive disorder and so-called exhaustion depression. Self-esteem--a central concept]

Lakartidningen. 2002 Feb 7;99(6):512-7.
[Article in Swedish]

Abstract

Depressive disorders can be recognized by the loss of self-esteem; this contrasts with mourning and neurasthenic reactions, in which self-esteem remains intact. Just as depression can result from the gradual reduction and eventual loss of self-esteem, mourning and neurasthenic reactions can evolve into true depressive states. "Exhaustion depression", a new diagnostic category connected to "burnout" situations, should be applied only when criteria for depressive disorder are fulfilled, including loss of self-esteem. When these criteria are lacking we should refer only to an exhaustion state provoked by stress. Neurotic mechanisms may represent a special class of relevant stress factors, but are not seen in manifest neurasthenic reactions and exhaustion depression.

Publication types

  • English Abstract

MeSH terms

  • Asthenia / classification
  • Asthenia / diagnosis
  • Burnout, Professional / complications
  • Burnout, Professional / psychology
  • Concept Formation
  • Depression / classification
  • Depression / diagnosis*
  • Depression / psychology
  • Depressive Disorder / classification
  • Depressive Disorder / diagnosis*
  • Depressive Disorder / psychology
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic / classification
  • Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic / diagnosis
  • Fatigue Syndrome, Chronic / psychology
  • Grief
  • Humans
  • Neurasthenia / classification
  • Neurasthenia / diagnosis
  • Neurasthenia / psychology
  • Neurotic Disorders / diagnosis
  • Self Concept*
  • Stress, Physiological / complications
  • Stress, Physiological / psychology
  • Stress, Psychological / complications
  • Stress, Psychological / psychology