[Optimised services for depressed patients. The German Alliance Against Depression]

Optimised treatment of depression is important to patients and their families and has important health economic implications in Germany. The optimised treatment of depression can best be achieved with multilevel interventions targeting different groups. The "German Alliance Against Depression" emerged within the framework of the "German Research Network on Depression and Suicidality". This action-oriented programme aims to improve the care of depressed patients through parallel interventions on four levels. These levels are as follows: 1) co-operation with general practitioners, 2) a public relations campaign, 3) training programmes for community facilitators and 4) interventions with high-risk groups. The programme was tested in Nuremberg. Results were promising with a 24% decrease in suicidal behaviour reported. In the meantime, groups in Germany and abroad declared their interest in adapting the programme. Today, close to 40 German regions have implemented similar multilevel interventions. The European Alliance Against Depression (EAAD) formed and now includes 17 countries. The EAAD was mentioned in the 2005 EU green paper on mental health as an "example for best practice". Improving the care of affected persons requires a systematic research approach. The "Mental Health Research Network" contributes to research related to the optimisation of services for persons with mental disorders.