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To the Editors: So far, from the discussion of the “Depressive Character” it appears that the discussants and the author are sometimes not talking about the same thing. The term “Depression” does not cover a uniform entity. At least two forms can be distinguished. Their main characteristics originate from different instinctual functions and they are about as different as “active” and “passive.” Of course, as everywhere in psychopathology, the borderline is not sharp; but the principle dynamics are discernable, which is particularly important for therapy.
According to Gero (Int. J. Psa., Vol. 17, 1936), the fundamental origin of depression is from oral frustration. Obsessional trends stemming from oral and anal sadism are secondary additions which may or may not be present. The participation of obsessional trends brings the condition closer to melancholic psychosis.
Fenichel's differentiation between neurotic and psychotic depression follows, though not explicitly, a similar line. His description of neurotic depression covers much of what I described as the depressive character.
In the depressive character there appears little or no aggression of the sadistic destructive type because of its incompatibility with the prevailing need for affection. The aggression, as I tried to show, is mainly in the service of this need. In the depression stemming from the subject's own sadism and guilt for it, the aggression is solidly hostile. Feelings of guilt are not prominent in the depressive character. If they are present they are mostly criticisms, inherent in educational influences, which were accepted and introjected because of the need for love. The “good child” is often the depressive one.
Regarding depression with sadistic and obsessional trends, Dr. Marcovitz' statement applies: “The inevitable wish to destroy the love object is the root of guilt and depression.” I may paraphrase this statement: “The inevitable defense (through denial and libidinization) against being destroy