Chapter from the book: Chan Chee C, Beck F, Sapinho D, et al. Depression in France. Anadep Survey 2005. Saint-Denis: National Institute for Prevention and Health Education; 2009. 203 p. The Anadep survey was conducted prior to the information campaign on depression launched by the Ministry of Health, Youth, Sports, and Community Life and the INPES, which was released in October 2007. One of its main objectives was to assess, prior to this communication campaign, the public’s perceptions of this illness and the distinctions made between it and temporary low mood or the “blues.” From the perspective of current diagnostic classifications, this distinction is made based on both the type and number of symptoms, their duration, the suffering they cause, and their impact on daily functioning. The definition used in the Anadep survey refers to the American Psychiatric Association’s Diagnostic and Statistical Manual, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV). A major depressive episode (MDE) or characterized depressive episode is thus characterized by an unusual feeling of sadness or a loss of interest and pleasure in all areas of life over a period of at least 15 days, almost every day, and for most of the day. This condition must be accompanied by at least three other symptoms, including loss of interest in most activities such as work, hobbies, or activities that usually bring pleasure; fatigue or lack of energy; weight gain or loss of at least five kilograms over a one-month period; difficulty sleeping; difficulty concentrating; loss of self-confidence; and recurrent thoughts of death. It must also be accompanied by a disruption in daily activities, as well as either slowed or agitated behavior—the latter dimension not being included in the CIDI-SF. However, these numerous and precise criteria are those of the scientific community, and common perceptions of depression may, of course, differ significantly from them.[chapter excerpt]