Existential Depression: A Nonpathological and Philosophical-Existential Approach

Abstract

Depression is not merely an inopportune “disease.” Sometimes it is an opportunity that allows us a new and more authentic view of existence. In this sense, a philosophical-existential therapeutic approach, which considers the ultimate meanings of existence, may be more useful, efficacious, and appropriate. In existential depression, the mood is oriented in a depressive sense, at first glance in a similar way to other depressive disorders. However, it is necessary to diagnostically differentiate this sort of depressive state from others, as it requires a different type of intervention from those typically used today in treating pathological depression, such as standard psychotherapy and/or psychiatric drugs. This specific depressive condition originates from particular reflections and considerations on life, and produces a profound discomfort, highlighting how the depressive state can represent, at least in some cases, a pivotal moment of existence. In this article, the author, a psychiatrist and existential therapist, describes existential depression, its phenomenology, genesis, and philosophical-existential treatment.