Purpose of review: The key question for melancholia is whether it should have status as a separate disorder and the literature of the last 12-24 months is surveyed largely from that perspective.
Recent findings: A number of interesting findings have appeared across a broad range of issues, but, with the possible exception of some large clinical trials, remain largely unreplicated.
Summary: Supporters of melancholia as a distinct entity will find little comfort in the recent literature.