Depressive disorders are among the most common illnesses in our culture. The authors present the phenomenology, psychogenesis, and dynamics of the disease process and discuss indications and setting issues. Through numerous case examples, they explain the possibilities and pitfalls of treatment. They provide a detailed presentation of clinical experiential knowledge in dealing with aggression, negativity, and suicidality, as well as with challenging transference and countertransference. In a new chapter, G. Klug and D. Huber report on the encouraging results of psychotherapy research.