Clinical differences between melancholic and nonmelancholic depression as defined by the CORE system

The definition and delineation of melancholia have remained elusive for an extended period. A longstanding signal of psychomotor disturbance has been operationalized via the observer-rated CORE measure and with CORE-assigned melancholic and nonmelancholic compared in several Australian studies. Replication studies in other regions have not previously been reported. This study compares Brazilian patients with melancholic and nonmelancholic depression according to the CORE measure of psychomotor disturbance in terms of clinical characteristics, suicide ideation, stressful life events, quality of life, parental care, and personality styles.

A total of 181 patients with unipolar major depression attending a tertiary care outpatient service in Brazil were evaluated in relation to melancholic status and study variables.

The CORE-assigned melancholic patients presented higher symptom severity, greater prevalence of suicide ideation, and Axis I comorbidities than nonmelancholics. Scores of dysfunctional personality styles and dysfunctional parental care measures were also higher among melancholics. Quality-of-life scores were low in both groups.

The absence of a criterion standard for the diagnosis of melancholia and the use of medication can be potential limitations of the study.

Differences suggest that CORE-assigned melancholia defines a distinct group of patients and probably a disorder distinct from nonmelancholic depression not only in quantitative but also in qualitative aspects.