Clinical depression

Clinical depression is a health condition of depression with mental and physical components reaching criteria generally accepted by clinicians.

Historical perspective

The modern idea of depression seems to be the same as the much older concept of melancholia. The name melancholia derives from 'black bile', one of the 'four humours' postulated by Hippocrates.

Related Topics:
Melancholia - Four humours - Hippocrates

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The Ebers papyrus (ca 1550 BC) contains a short description of clinical depression. Though full of incantations and foul applications meant to turn away disease-causing demons and other superstition, it also evidences a long tradition of empirical practice and observation.

Related Topics:
Ebers papyrus - 1550 BC

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