Examples of Diagnostic Criterion for Unipolar Depression, as defined in The DSM-IV , in William Styron's Darkness Visible: a Memoir of Madness

I. Assessment of William Styron A. Introduction to Major Depressive Disorder Unipolar depression is one of the most common forms of psychopathology. According to the Epidemiologic Catchment Area (ECA) study, the lifetime risk for major depressive disorder is approximately five percent. Common symptoms of major depressive disorder include, but are not limited to, feelings of disappointment and despair, fatigue, loss of energy, changes in appetite and/or sleep disturbances, feelings of worthlessness, concentration problems, thoughts …

…was causing his depression. "I date the onset of my depressive mood from the beginning of this deprivation" (pg. 41). IV. Conclusion William Styron's Darkness Visible is an amazing, vivid, saddening depiction of major depressive disorder. The symptoms are, for the most part, textbook examples of DSM-IV criteria for depression. Styron hit rock bottom and had the courage to come forward and ask for help. His success should give others the courage to do the same.