The relevance of hierarchies, territories, defeat for depression in humans: hypotheses and clinical predictions

Background: Hierarchical and territorial behaviour are widespread in animals and humans. The consequences of defeat have been linked to depression in humans. However, hierarchical and territorial behaviours are not mentioned in ICD10 or DSM1V. I therefore investigated the coverage in relevant textbooks. Method: I searched the indices of books on Animal Behaviour, General Psychology and General Psychiatry for entries on Hierarchy, Territory and Dominance. Results: A paradox is revealed. Hierarchical and territorial behaviour are widespread in both animals and humans but are neglected in textbooks of human behaviour and mental problems. Four hypotheses are put forward to explain this paradox and explore its implications.1. ierarchical and territorial behaviours evolved before human consciousness. They are available to consciousness but not in the forefront of awareness. uman hierarchical and territorial behaviour are overlaid by a cultural veneer of manners, which conceal the true state of affairs. umans have internal, mental, hierarchical aims in addition to external physical hierarchical aims. ailure to achieve internal hierarchical aims may produce diminution of well being and changes in behaviour by the same biological mechanisms that are active in external hierarchical defeat. testable predictions follow from these hypotheses.1. here are common genetic factors and similar patterns of brain activity in homologous structures during hierarchical and territorial behaviour in man, primates and lower vertebrates. rain structures involved in external hierarchical conflict, consciousness and imagery will be active during internal hierarchical conflict. of internal hierarchical aims produce depressed mood and satisfying alternative hierarchical aims are protective. examples are given to illustrate the existence of, and the consequences of defeat on, internal hierarchies. Limitations: These hypotheses and predictions are theoretical and require confirmation or refutation by neuroimaging and prospective studies. Conclusions: A neglect of human hierarchical behaviour by clinicians is suggested and discussed. The concept of internal hierarchies, if confirmed, may throw light on human striving, the emotions of defeat and the therapy of depression.