[Depression- epidemiology and priorities for future research (author's transl)]

There are at least 100 million people in the world who suffer from depressive disorders and who could benefit from qualified help. There is also every likelihood that this number will increase because of the higher life expectancy, the increase of depression associated with chronic diseases and over-consumption of medicaments, and other reasons. Epidemiological research has made important contribution to the resolution of the problems that arise in connexion with depressive disorders. New and further intensive investigations are necessary and should lead to the development of instruments for the diagnosis of depressive disorders and to identify the biological and psychosocial factors involved in the aetiology of depression and influencing its course, treatment and outcome.