[Psychotherapy of depression in general practice of established psychiatrists: results of an empirical study].

A severe deficit in studies providing a valid assessment of indication of psychotherapy in different population samples and care settings must be stated for the FRG. Actual decisions in health care politics are not supported by sufficient empirical data. The objective of this study was to gain an overview on the psychotherapy of depressive syndromes, treated by psychiatrists in practice. The psychotherapeutic treatment methods of 55 psychiatrist's in practice, applicated to a sample of 9956 depressive patients, are documented. Supportive psychotherapy was common whereas the use of structured psychodynamic or behavioral therapy was highly selective.