Symptomatology of Depressive Illness in Afghanistan

In a cross-cultural study of depressive symptoms in Afghan patients, the incidence of such "biological" symptoms as depressed mood and loss of appetite, sleep, and libido were similar to the reported incidence of these symptoms in depressed patients from a Western culture. Some symptoms that may be affected by cultural differences were also comparable, except for suicide and suicidal thoughts. The majority of Afghan patients expressed death wishes rather than suicidal intents or thoughts.