[Characteristics of depression in middle age]

In a district with about 70,000 inhabitants (2/3 urban, 1/3 rural population) 89 women and 64 men, aged between 31-50, who suffer from varying depressive psychoses have been treated during the period 1981-1988. The study gives the number of cases specified according to the diagnoses as well as the percentage rates of relapse with reference to four age groups. A growing tendency up to the age group 41-45 years may be observed with the female proportion increasing. On the other hand, the age group 46-50 reports a declining tendency. The patients have been questioned about particular aspects of their so-called midlife crisis. The patients concerned were open to all questions related to this complex of problems. The study shows the evaluation frequency of some essential conflict situations. The biological, sociological, and psychological background becomes evident in the syndrome. The clarification and therapy of depressive psychoses in the middle years will not ignore the particularly problematic nature of their conflicts, but they contribute correspondingly to stabilizing the profile of mood. Specific medicamentous therapy may be helpful, but, due to the side effects, should be kept under continuous medical control.