[Additional treatment to lithium prophylaxis of affective psychoses (author's transl)].

Ten endogenous-depressive patients under lithium maintenance therapy participated in a group behaviour therapy program for the modification of behavioural problems that are typical for this group of patients. The problem intensity as measured individually through a "problem barometer" as well as the score on the Pt-scale of the MMPI were reduced significantly over the ten treatment sessions. Concurrently, patients' self image regarding depressive components and social resonance improved. The effects were still present after a 3-month follow-up period. It is concluded that in lithium treated patients behaviour therapy methods can be used in the modification of typical behaviour disorders.