The models for explaining depressive disorders are evolving. Recent attachment theory and research illustrate in a particularly clear manner the diverse psychological, social, biological, and cultural influences on the development of depression. From early childhood, biology (genetics, neurobiology) and psyche (quality of relationships) interact and shape attachment styles. Insecure attachment relationships carry long-term risks such as depression. Attachment patterns also influence the therapy of depression. Psychosomatic specialist and psychoanalyst Henning Schauenburg describes basic interventions for acute depression, explains how to deal with typical conflict themes and defense processes, as well as pitfalls in the therapeutic process. He clarifies the different processing modes of the fundamental conflict of depression.