Comparison of three subtypes of depression

The objective of the study is to identify socio-demographic variables and clinical characteristics which distinguish between three subtypes of depression. In a prospective manner, 227 patients meeting ICD-10 criteria for depression were grouped into 3 subtypes--unipolar depression without psychosis, unipolar depression with psychosis and bipolar disorder depression. Using a structured questionnaire, socio-demographic and clinical variables obtained from the patients were compared in the 3 subtypes. Bipolar disorder patients were more likely to have first episode of illness before age 30 years. Psychotic depression patients were most likely to have positive family history of mental disorder and to have attempted suicide previously. Depressed females were less educated and more likely to be married. Early age at onset of depression requires more public awareness on recognition of depression particularly in the economically productive group. Further studies are required especially in community samples to further confirm these findings.