title: [The "Sisi syndrome": a new form of depression?].
abstract: A new depressive entity called the "Sisi syndrome," named in reference to the former empress of Austria, was introduced by a drug company in 1998. Their advertising campaign presents information about nosology, symptoms, and recommended therapy. We review the relevant literature about this syndrome and are not able to confirm the statements about it. The lack of scientific proof of it as an independent entity of depression stands in contrast to the widespread media coverage in Germany, which was organized by a public relations company. Therefore, we discuss new kinds of marketing strategies ("disease mongering") by drug companies and conclude with some preventive recommendations.
authors.affiliation: Klinik und Poliklinik für Psychosomatik und Psychotherapie, Universitätsklinikum Münster, Domagkstrasse 22, 48149 Münster. burgmem@mednet.uni-muenster.de
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Burgmer
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Driesch
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Heuft
mesh_terms: D000329:Advertising; D018687:Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy; D004345:Drug Industry; D005858:Germany; D006801:Humans; D040541:Marketing; D017374:Paroxetine / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D013577:Syndrome
chemical_list: D018687:Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation; D017374:Paroxetine
vernacular_title: Das "Sisi-Syndrom"--eine neue Depression?