The diagnosis and management of depression in the era of the DSM-5

  • Eileen Thomas Stellenbosch University
  • S Seedat Stellenbosch University
Keywords: depression, depressive disorders, DSM-5, diagnosis, premenstrual dysphoric disorder

Abstract

Depressive disorders comprise a range of conditions that can be viewed along many dimensions. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 5th Edition (DSM-5) introduced several changes to the chapter on depressive disorders largely informed by advances in neuroscience, clinical and public health needs and difficulties identified with the previous DSM-IV classification system and criteria. Clinical characteristics vary across depressive disorders, as do the corresponding treatments. Pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy should be tailored to the individual patient.

Author Biographies

Eileen Thomas, Stellenbosch University
MBchB, DipHIVMan, MMed, FCPsych South African Research Chairs Initiative (SARChI) PTSD program Department of Psychiatry Stellenbosch University
S Seedat, Stellenbosch University
MBchB, FCPsych, PhD Department of Psychiatry Stellenbosch University
Issue
Vol 60 No 1: January/February 2018
Section
Review Articles
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