[Application of the characteristic interval method to differential diagnosis between the depressive phase of manic-depressive psychosis and reactive depression].

Using V. S. Genes' method of characteristic intervals 112 gradations of 36 different factors were analyzed in women under 40 years of the age with diagnoses of the depressive phase of manic-depressive psychosis (50 patients) and reactive depression (38 patients). The authors discovered 11 differential-diagnostic features relatively specific for the depressive phase of manic-depressive psychosis, and 13 features specific for reactive depression. As a result of a comprehensive analysis of these features a system for diagnostic differentiation between these conditions has been developed. This system makes it possible to diagnose correctly the depressive phase of manic-depressive psychosis in 78% of cases. In 20% of the cases the diagnostic solution remains uncertain, and in 2% erroneous.