The validity of neurotic-reactive depression. New data and reappraisal.

A family history of alcoholism can be used as a validating factor in the diagnosis of reactive-neurotic depression. Not only is this true but there are clear data that indicate the presence of positive symptoms that can be used to make the diagnosis. A set of criteria based on previous research is presented for the diagnosis of neurotic-reactive depression. These criteria are based on a clustering of certain symptoms, events, and traits in patients with neurotic-reactive depression. The patients showed stormy life-styles, some specific symptoms, personality abnormalities, presence of life events before the onset of depression, and a family history of alcoholism. They had relatively few hospitalizations for depression and responded poorly to specific antidepressant treatment.