In the past decade, due to the introduction of the selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors the serotonergic system has been in the foreground of theoretical attempts to explain the origin and therapy of depression. With the introduction of the selective nordrenaline re-uptake inhibitors, the noradrenergic system has again become the focus of attention of theoretical attempts at explanation. The introduction of newer antidepressants with dual mechanisms of action, which affect both the serotonergic as well as the noradrenergic system, point to the relevance of the noradrenergic system.

In the workshop, the "renaissance" of the noradrenergic system for the explanation of depression and the explanation of drug approaches to treat depression will be discussed. This will include lectures on the following topics:

• N. Matussek: "Traditional and newer aspects of basic research on the importance of the noradrenergic system in the aetiopathogenesis of depressive disorders"
• M. Ackenheil: "Pharmacological aspects of the importance of the noradrenergic system in antidepressant treatment"
• H.-J. Möller: "What can a selective noradrenaline re-uptake inhibitor achieve in the treatment of depression?"
• G. Laux: "Efficacy advantages in comparison to the SSRI: dual principle or noradrenergic principle?"

Prof. Aldenhoff, Prof. Gastpar, Prof. Müller and PD Dr. Volz will lead discussions to contribute to the topic.