[Evaluation of the system of the Study Group of Methodology and Documentation in Psychiatry based on recent literature (1983 to 1987)--a review].

The present paper gives a review of German studies concerning the AMP and AMDP system that have been published since 1983. The test manual to the AMDP-system, published 1983, is complemented herewith. The following topics are discussed: Syndromes/scales on the basis of psychological and somatic outcomes, studies on reliability (especially interrater reliability); capability to differentiate diagnoses; comparison with other assessment instruments, especially biological parameters; results of several diagnoses (schizophrenia, affective disorders, depression etc.); range of application (psychopharmacological studies, diagnostic questions, etc.). The review points out that the AMDP system covers a very wide and elaborate range. Some topics are pointed out that would merit additional study.