Depressive disorders rank among the widespread diseases, and their relevance for the health care system is steadily increasing. Even though depressive disorders can generally be treated well, there is a further need to improve the care for depressive patients with regard to diagnostics, therapy, and cooperation of care sectors. Innovative and integrative models of care such as case management, disease management programs, and integrated care models are currently being discussed. They are expected to be useful in overcoming boundaries in the current care system and amending the course of disease and of patients' quality of life. Furthermore, changes in utilization of the health system are anticipated, leading to a diminishment of deficient care, undersupply and oversupply, and chronification. However, evidence is lacking to demonstrate the usefulness of these models of care in Germany now.
