[Methods and problems of investigation of psychopharmacological effect illustrated by the comparison of a novel pyridylbenzodiazepine with diazepam (author's transl)].

Comparison of two compounds being investigated should take into consideration the most comprehensive spectrum of all psychic variables affected. Consequently, besides 15 standardized investigational methods, three open methods, history, observation of behavior and in particular free exploration were used. The investigation was carried out in 18 ambulant patients who were given the preparations under investigation in a double-blind cross-over trial. Particular problems of the method were the interference of psychotherapeutic effect of the intensive exploration discussions on the action of the preparations, which could be controlled by comparison with a placebo phase, and the effects of learning and stereotype on repeated presentation.