[Psychological disorders masked as physical symptoms. Problems in the diagnosis of masked depression]

In unclear clinical pictures, the diagnosis "masked depression" is often made, and forms the basis for anxiolytic and antidepressive drug treatment. What is required, however, is a positive diagnosis of a functional syndrome with predominance of a depressive symptomatology. This diagnosis is not simply based on vegetative symptoms, but also has to include psychological and psychodynamic criteria. This consideration of the patient's subjective reality is necessary for a stable therapeutic alliance, especially since therapy is a long-term undertaking.