Popular press diagnoses and psychiatric diagnoses

The symptom spectra of several 'popular press' diagnoses are examined and compared to Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders-IIIR criteria for somatization disorder, depression, and generalized anxiety disorder. While there is much overlap, there are clear distinctions, and these psychiatric terms do not adequately coincide with the symptom spectra of these disorders. These conditions may represent 'neuroendocrine dysrhythmias' - abnormal/normal physiological dysfunctions with psychodynamic roots and/or influences. They currently often fall between the established domains claimed by Medicine and Psychiatry, with resultant poor evaluation and management with this spectrum of problems.