Abstract
Minor depression is a type of depressive disorder that does not fulfill the duration criteria or show the number of symptoms necessary to make the diagnosis of major depression. Defining minor depression, therefore, is difficult because of the many different syndromes and constructs it subsumes. Minor depression is more prevalent than major depression. It has a significant impact on functioning, quality of life, and social support of patients, and is associated with greater use of health services. Minor depression is potentially reversible with drug treatment and psychotherapy. This important depressive disorder requires further study.