Psychopathological concepts of dysphoria

Dysphoric conditions are increasingly postulated as representing independent mood disorders. However, despite much effort at clarification, their psychopathological definitions remain unclear and variable. This paper reviews some examples of these divergent definitions, most of which are based on quality of mood, as well as responsiveness to external stimuli. The paper then introduces a strategy in possible solution of the above-mentioned definition problems. Setting out from restriction of the term dysphoria to conditions of a morose, tense and irritated mood, as suggested by Snaith and Taylor, we support the opinion that dysphoria should be accepted as a third possibility of mood swing, as a psychopathological disturbance which can be well distinguished from stable and unstable mixed states.