[Mood and state of mind]

Man's basic mood is of far greater significance than commonly assumed. It is communicated to his fellow man from afar, by his facial expression, and thus can cast a long shadow upon human relations. As this is an unconscious phenomenon, the pre-existing mood is reconfirmed by each encounter--a self fulfilling prophesy. The realization that a pre-existing mood determines our experience more than the reality of the experience itself is nothing new. It is pointed out in both ancient Greek and far Eastern philosophy, in the Bible, and in modern psychology. Every human being has the ability to influence his mood through self-own awareness. If he fails to do this, his features become frozen and unalterable, like the Person, the mask of the classic Greek theatre. While alterations of mood are considered normal phenomena, depression must be seen as a manifestation of pathological affect, usually accompanied by somatic symptoms. Depressions have been known and described since the dawn of mankind. 15 bis 25% of all depressives commit suicide. They are treated preferably by a combination of pharmaco- and psychotherapy. In the realm of the latter, Beck's Cognitive Therapy has proven to be especially efficacious. As this is a common and dangerous illness, it is very important for every physician to be familiar with it. Not only to save lives by instituting adequate treatment, but to open one's heart and to empathize with the patient, to see in him a brother rather than merely an object of scientific exploration.