This is a compilation of articles on the ubiquitious problem of the recognition, diagnosis, and treatment of the clinical symptom complex we define as depressive reaction. However, Lesse and his associates are concerned with the development of a greater awareness of those covert expressions of this symptom complex which he calls "masked depression." Lesse notes that the average clinician may be aware of those combinations of subjective symptoms and objective observations that, taken together, substantiate a diagnosis of depression. Some may also be aware, according to Lesse, that many cases of actual depression are veiled by physical complaints or behavioral problems. However, Lesse makes the point that this collection of clinical papers goes far beyond the usual description of psychosomatic disorders and hypochondria that mask depression. He notes that the clinical papers presented here show that depression may also be disguised by forms of acting out such as explosive sexual behavior, compulsive gambling, active homosexuality, temper outbursts,