The AMDP-system is a standardized documentation system that has been developed in Europe by the `Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Methodik und Dokumentation in der Psychiatrie' and which has been published in six different languages since 1971.

The AMDP-system consists of three anamnestic parts: (AMDP-form 1 to 3) and of two comprehensive rating scales, which cover present psychopathology (100 standard items + 15 additional write-in items) and present somatic symptoms (40 + 7 items), all being rated on a scale from 0 to 4. The scales' reliability, validity, sensitivity and factorial reproducibility have been proven.

Factoranalytical study has shown that the AMDP-scales contain the following syndromes:

_ 9 syndromes from the German F.A. _ apathy retardation, delusions-hallucinations, depression, hostility (dysphoria), mania-agitation, obsessions, psycho-organic syndromes, somatic (hypochondriac) syndromes and neurological (extrapiramidal) syndromes and

_ 3 syndromes specific to the French F.A., as a result of the extra write-in items: anxiety, dramatization and dissociation. The AMDP-system is multi-factorial and has the broadest range of symptoms compared to other well-known rating scales such as HDRS, BPRS, IMPS and CPRS.

It is a very useful instrument for the documentation, quantification and administration of psychiatric disorders, and for the measurement of therapeutic change. Another advantage lies in the fact that it is not necessary to use another scale for the assessment of side-effects.

The AMDP-system is also highly recommendable for the teaching of psychopathology at postgraduate level.