Depression is distinguished from ordinary sadness by its greater duration, severity, and impact on functioning. It is a highly prevalent condition, often with an early onset. Nearly a quarter of all individuals will experience a diagnosable depression at some point in their lifetimes. The early onset and recurrent nature of depression contribute to making it the most burdensome illness in the entire world, according to the World Health Organization. Over the last thirty years, the diagnosis of depression has changed little. Since 1980, every edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) has included a category for severe acute depression (i.e., “major depression” or “major depressive disorder”) and a category for chronic depression (i.e., “dysthymia,” “dysthymic disorder,” or “persistent depressive disorder”). The current edition of the DSM (DSM-5) includes two main categories, “major depressive disorder” and “persistent depressive disorder.” Owing, perhaps, to its high prevalence rate and societal impact, depression is very well studied.