Exploring and assessing demoralization in patients with non-psychotic affective disorders.

•This paper applies a validated dimensional scale used to assess demoralization (the Demoralization Scale-IT) in psychiatry, specifically in patients with affective disorders (e.g. anxiety, stress-related and mood disorders).•Data are presented on the DS-IT threshold scores for “demoralized cases” and the validation of the scale in comparison with a semi-structured interview for demoralization (DCPR/D).•Findings indicate the high prevalence of demoralization, its partial independence from depression, and the need to take into account this construct within mental health settings.