[Current treatment of depressions using psychopharmacologic agents]

After an introduction some reflections are discussed which enable the general practitioner to decide the question whether to treat the patient inside or outside the hospital. In this respect some factors are of influence: severity of illness, suicidal tendencies, sleep distrubances, possibility of collaboration with the family and others. Then criteria for the selection of suitable antidepressant are discussed. Most suitable are sedative antidepressants. The beginning, the dosage and the duration of therapy are described. Today great importance has the prophylaxis of monopolar and bipolar depressions, especially the prophylaxis with lithium salts. Side effects are discussed with special references to a newer substance with few side effects as well as questions of the cardiotoxicity and of impairment of driving ability.