Using a qualitative study approach (expert interview/focus group) the present work explores the question of the necessity of guideline recommendations for the treatment of depression in old age from the experts' perspective. In addition to positive aspects such as signal effect, pooling of knowledge and standardisation of treatment, also many doubts and obstacles are identified and place the practical feasibility of such a treatment recommendation in question. Different factors, such as content- or creative-related aspects (e. g., brevity and clarity) and development-related aspects (e. g. participation of all relevant professional societies) need to be taken into account in the development of guideline recommendations.
