[Prognosis of depression]

Contrary to classical psychopathological assessment of the phenomenology of depressive states, modern diagnosis tools like the DSM-III-R or DSM-IV rely upon the distinction between major depression, dysthymia and depressive symptoms during the course of other psychiatric diseases. Within each category, the degree of severity is determined and by using a multiaxial approach, different aspects of global social functioning, accompanying diseases, and characteristics of personality are assessed. Few long-term studies concerning outcome of the depressions exist. At least the following factors can be assumed to indicate a favorable outcome: minor extent of depressive symptoms at the beginning, no severe personality disorder, absence of psychotic symptoms, no alcohol dependency or major physical illness, reliable social background, intellectual functions not being impaired, and skillful choice of antidepressant drug therapy regimes.