[Depression: diagnosis, treatment and course]

Depressions are very common mental diseases. The diagnosis is made by psychopathology criteria and the course of the disorder. There is a growing body to the knowledge about etiology and treatment of depression - neuro-imaging, neuroplasticity, CREB and BDNF are all modified by antidepressants treatment and/or psychotherapy. As differential diagnoses, depressive syndromes on the basis of organic diseases but also burn-out syndromes may play a role, different therapeutic efforts are necessary. The treatment of depression consists of psychopharmacological and psychotherapeutic strategies, combinations of both are useful. Many psychopharmacological substances with differing mechanisms of action are available - combinations of antidepressants with complementing mechanisms are possible. The course of depressions is mainly influenced by "working therapies". Comorbid somatic diseases and their successful treatment are of relevance for the long term course.