Depression--a diagnosis sometimes missed and sometimes mistaken.

A short description of the clinical picture of the major depression is given. Different forms of missed diagnosis in depression are discussed. Beside somatic symptomatology there are behavioural disturbances and disorders of a psychopathological type. Attention is paid to sexuality, anxiety and compulsion. The depression as a mistaken diagnosis is considered in relationship with endocrinopathy and with pharmacotherapy. In this respect reference is made to Cushing's disease, psychotropic drugs and oral contraceptives.