The classification of depressions and the activity profile of the antidepressants.

1. Pre-requisiste for a successful treatment of depressions is an accurate diagnosis. 2. The nosological classification proposed by the WHO-ICD (International Classification of Diseases, 9th edn.) differentiates three main groups of depressive states, i.e. somatogenic, endogenous and psychogenic depressions. 3. In somatogenic depressive manifestations, first of all, the organic disease has to be treated. 4. In endogenous and psychogenic depressions, the kind of treatment and the indication for long-term therapy can be derivated by the nosological diagnosis. 5. The syndromal diagnosis determines the choice of the antidepressant with the correct activity pattern and gives also the indication for a combined treatment with beta-blockers. 6. Nosological classification, syndromal diagnosis, activity patterns of the antidepressants, the indication for long-term treatment and combined therapy are discussed.