Beyond Depression: A Phenomenology of Non-Pathological Suffering

Authors

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.62701/revmedica.v14.5553

Keywords:

Phenomenology, Suffering, Depression, Medical Humanities, Spirituality

Abstract

Distinguishing major depressive disorder from other forms of human suffering represents a clinical and ethical challenge, particularly in contexts of critical illness, life-threatening conditions, end-of-life care, or spiritual crisis. This article offers a critical reflection grounded in phenomenological and hermeneutic approaches to this diagnostic threshold, considering existential and spiritual suffering as differentiated forms of non-pathological suffering. Through the analysis of intentionality, temporality, self-relation, and horizon of meaning, the paper argues for distinguishing between collapse and transformation of meaning in order to better orient clinical and spiritual care.

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Author Biographies

Alfonso Canabal Berlanga, Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, España

Doctor of Medicine
Specialist in Intensive Care Medicine with over 30 years of experience in the treatment and care of critically ill patients.
University Hospital of La Princesa
Master's Degree in Bioethics.
Master's Degree in Philosophy.
Professor of Bioethics (formerly) and currently in the Master's Program in Bioethics at Francisco de Vitoria University.
Honorary Professor at the Autonomous University of Madrid (UAM) and in the Master's Program in Critical Care and Emergencies at the UAM-UBarcelona

Beatriz Abad Santamaría, Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, España

Specialist in Intensive Care Medicine, Transplant Coordinator, Teaching Collaborator at the Autonomous University of Madrid and Expert in communicating bad news.

Rosas Carvajal, Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, España

Specialist in Intensive Care Medicine, Delegate for Humanization of Care in the ICU and Teaching Collaborator at the Autonomous University of Madrid.

Claudia Alvargonzález Riera, Hospital Universitario de la Princesa, España

Specialist in Intensive Care Medicine, Head of Humanization of Care in the ICU, Member of the ICU Humanization and Quality Team and Teaching Collaborator at the Autonomous University of Madrid.

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Published

2026-07-14 — Updated on 2026-07-22

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How to Cite

Canabal Berlanga, A., Abad Santamaría, B., Rosas Carvajal, & Alvargonzález Riera, C. (2026). Beyond Depression: A Phenomenology of Non-Pathological Suffering. MEDICA REVIEW. International Medical Humanities Review Revista Internacional De Humanidades Médicas, 14(1), 1–17. https://doi.org/10.62701/revmedica.v14.5553 (Original work published July 14, 2026)

Issue

Vol. 14 No. 1 (2026): Vol. 14 Núm. 1 (2026)

Section

Critical reflection articles

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