Objective: To analyse the status quo of depression treatment (procedure, responsibilities, and treatment barriers) from psychiatrists' point of view.
Methods: Cross-sectional survey (n = 71 psychiatrists; return rate: 45.5 %).
Results: Diagnostic and therapeutic knowledge were validated as good. Psychiatrists view their responsibility mainly in identifying depressed patients, in differential diagnosis and medical treatment. The clinical diagnosis corresponded only in 52.7 % to ICD-10 criteria. Pharmacotherapy and referral were according to guidelines. Psychiatrists were less satisfied with cooperation with the psychosocial sector (social service, counselling centres) than with family physicians, psychotherapists and hospitals. The need for continuous medical education was seen specifically regarding therapeutic procedures (prophylaxis of relapse and combined therapy) and less concerning the diagnoses.
Conclusions: The results affirm the quality outpatient psychiatric care of depressive patients. Improvement potentials regard evidence-based diagnostic and networking with the psychosocial sector.