[Etiological models and therapeutic techniques in the psychodynamic treatment of depression]

Psychodynamic treatment of depression is described as a problem-centered approach which is derived from the etiological model. This treatment is conceptually based on the internalisation of problematic relationship patterns, the development of structural vulnerability, and the formation of specific coping patterns. The therapeutic interventions specific to depression treatment deal with the present state of vulnerability and the tendency to overstrain oneself, which are the result of depressive personality development and which support new relationship experiences. Special emphasis is placed on the specific therapeutic attitude which allows treatment particularly of interpersonal problems by reflecting, supporting and confronting. Psychodynamic depression treatment is problem-centered in that it is tailored to the specifically problematic kinds of relationship expectations and relationship problems as well as the related problems of self esteem.