POPULAR PRESS DIAGNOSES AND PSYCHIATRIC DIAGNOSES

The symptom spectra of several ''popular press' diagnoses are examined and compared to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders -IIIR criteria for somatization disorder, depression, and generalized anxiety disorder. While there is much overlap, there are clear distinc tions, and these psychiatric terms do not adequately coincide with the symptom spectra of these disorders. These conditions may represent 'n euroendocrine dysrhythmias' - abnormal/normal physiological dysfunctio ns with psychodynamic roots and/or influences. They currently often fa ll between the established domains claimed by Medicine and Psychiatry, with resultant poor evaluation and management with this spectrum of p roblems.