In Germany the DGPPN plays a key role in promoting scientific activities that lead to improvements in the diagnosis and treatment of mental illnesses. This includes in particular the development of practice guidelines.
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The aim is to provide the knowledge that experts working in patient care need for the optimal diagnosis and treatment of mental illness. Guideline development is started by the DGPPN Executive Committee but others are involved in the subsequent process. At the centre of the discussions are questions about the implementation of particular forms of treatment and the indication for different treatment settings. The guidelines are mainly based on findings with evidence from previously collected data (empirical evidence). Diagnosis and treatment options considered in the guidelines also have to be recognised by the experts involved and in professional circles. The association is also involved in numerous other guideline projects in various medical disciplines.
