Diagnosing Affective Disorders: Atypical Depression, Double Depression, and Other Puzzles

This month's column focuses on the diagnosis of affective disorders according to the third edition of the American Psychiatric Association's Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-III). Future columns will answer commonly asked questions about psychotic disorders and childhood disorders. Readers are urged to submit questions about the use of these categories, or their rationale, to Dr. Williams at the New York State Psychiatric institute, 722 West 168th Street, New York, New York 10032.