[Elaboration of criteria for major depression adapted to Black Africa]

The authors state that there is no diagnostic criteria for major depression adapted to Africa. Using available data about the clinical aspect of depressive disorders in African patients, they suggest criteria derived from DSM III. With regard to the American ones, the following modifications are brought to these criteria: dysphoric mood is no longer a compulsory criterion and two new criteria are included, concerning ideas of persecution and somatic complaints.