Articles Related To Depression General Considerations: This article provides an overview of issues related to depression.  It discusses different definitions, theories, and treatment approaches. Diagnostic Criteria For Depression:  This takes a brief look at the most commonly used criteria for defining depression.  The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual [DSM] is a book almost universally utilized in the US.  Though there is very little agreement among therapists on the value of this approach, virtually no insurance pays for treatment without a diagnosis using the DSM criteria.