Descriptors of depression: the importance of agreed definitions

We suggest that some descriptors and criteria of depressive features lack clarity or are overinclusive, with definitional limitations and vagaries in rating options, leading to variable ratings of similar items across differing measures as well as cloudy interpretation of positive ratings.

We illustrate these limitations by reference to two items: 'guilt' and 'distinct quality of mood'.

We note problems emerging from confounded and imprecise definitions.

We emphasise the need for definitions of depressive descriptors possessing greater specificity.