MINOR DEPRESSION IN LATE-LIFE

Minor depression is a type of depressive disorder that does not fulfil l the duration criteria or show the number of symptoms necessary to ma ke the diagnosis of major depression. Defining minor depression, there fore, is difficult because of the many different syndromes and constru cts it subsumes. Minor depression is more prevalent than major depress ion. It has a significant impact on functioning, quality of life, and social support of patients, and is associated with greater use of heal th services. Minor depression is potentially reversible with drug trea tment and psychotherapy. This important depressive disorder requires f urther study.