Masahito Fushimi, M.D., Ph.D.

I have had the opportunity to deliver lectures on depression at the workplace. These lectures are aimed at increasing public awareness on mental health in the workplace, and recently, I have had many requests to give lectures on the so-called “modern” (new) form of depression.This is a general term encompassing, amongst others, depression of dysthymic type, atypical depression, and depression of avoidant type. It is not a formal medical term but rather one that has gained recognition through promotion by the media. As its characteristics differ substantially from those of classic (traditional) depression, it is feared that giving lectures on modern (new) depression will in fact hinder the understanding of depression as a disease. For this reason, I am reluctant to give lectures on this type of depression to non-specialists although I do give them at times in response to requests. That I receive these requests suggests that many workplaces are struggling with how to deal with this type of depression although there are doubts and concerns even as to whether this type of depression can really be classified as depression. When formulating workplace mental health strategies, in order to avoid misunderstandings or unnecessary confusion, the most critical task is to explain the accurate psychiatric assessment of this type of depression in a manner that is clearly understandable by non-specialists.