RESUMO
Objective To study the pathogenic characteristics of hepatic depression syndrome (HDS) through clinical epidemiologic survey. Methods By using the method of epidemiologic cluster sampling, the cases complicated with HDS from the hospitalized cases from January 2000 to December 2001 of the First Affiliated Hospital, the Second Affiliated Hospital and the Third Affiliated Hospital of Hunan University of TCM, and survey forms were fiUed. The data was counted and analyzed by using SPSS statistical analysis software. Result By the method of epidemiologic survey, the pathogenic characteristics of HDS were demonstrated as follows: universality-HDS could occur in many dieases, complexity-HDS often changed into other syndromes, orientation-HDS often influenced the function of spleen and stomach. Conclusion The method is an effective way to study pathogenesis of TCM. It is objective, truthful and consistent with the clinical situation.