[Depression and manic-depressive disorders].

The two major subtypes of manic-depressive illness are bipolar disorder and recurrent major depressive disorder. Biological data strongly indicate that a significant genetic factor is involved in the development of manic-depressive illness. But, stressful life events, environmental stress and premorbid personality factors may also be involved in other important etiologic factors. Some research data indicate that cyclothymic disorder and temperamental disorders may be considered as mild forms of bipolar disorders so called "subaffective disorders". The identification of clinical or biological features reflecting the severity of the major depressive episode is very important in regard of the high potential for suicide of the illness.