[Steps in the recovery from severe depression. On the psychosomatic aspects of a convalescent process]

In retrospect, several phases of the healing process are easily distinguishable: Initiated with a terminal inpatient antidepressant therapy, continued by a tranquilizer-hypnotic withdrawal treatment, the psychotherapeutic mastering of the life-crises which provoked the mental disturbance in the first place, then the patient's going back to work, and, finally, the total mental stabilization on a mature level. The psychopathologic and psychosomatic symptoms appearing in the process are interpreted as expressions of spontaneous healing and not to be confounded with symptoms of withdrawal and/or relapse. The transition of the disturbance suffered and vanquished into a new self-image terminates the process of healing and recovery.