The book "Depressive Illness" offers a comprehensive analysis of research on depressive disorders that has emerged from the activities of the European Medical Research Councils (EMRC). Founded in 1971, the EMRC aims to promote the exchange of information on research policies and initiate international collaborations in the field of biomedical research. This publication documents the findings of a workshop held in 1985 that focused on the course and outcomes of depressive disorders. The collected insights are intended to help intensify research in this important area and identify new research needs. The editors, Tomas Helgason and Robert J. Daly, have carefully selected the contributions to make a valuable addition to the scientific discussion on depressive disorders. This specialized book is aimed at professionals and researchers in the fields of medicine and nursing who are engaged with mental health issues.