Organic mood disorder: a valid psychiatry consultation diagnosis?

To determine the validity of the DSM-IIIR category organic mood disorder, we compared 50 psychiatric consultations with this diagnosis to 50 psychiatric consultations diagnosed with major depression in the medically ill. Organic mood disorder patients were more likely to be in the index affective disorder episode and have a negative family history of depression. Despite similar pharmacologic treatment between groups, the organic mood disorder group was less likely to be completely recovered at 4 years follow-up. This study suggests organic mood disorder is a valid diagnosis in the psychiatry consultation service.