Both of mental disorders classifications DSM-IV (1994) and MKCH-10 (1992) are strictly empirical classifications in terms of concept. They are identical in main principles, so existing differences generally relate to the terminology. We discuss the term melancholia, which figures in the classification DSM-IV in the part Mood Disorders but it does not figure in the classification ICD-10. We attempt to clarify these differences of the terminology considering the data from psychiatric literature.

        Key words: melancholia, melancholic features, endogenous depression, psychotic depression.