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“Some are headed for depression from birth”, title of the interview in Stern magazine with Winfried Rief, Professor of Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy and spokesperson for LOEWE-DYNAMIC
Depression is one of the most widespread illnesses of our time. It can affect anyone – regardless of genes, age, or life history. Psychologist Winfried Rief explains why the illness is so multifaceted, why medications are often less effective than expected, and why many therapies fail due to rigid rules. Young people, in particular, suffer from social pressure and loneliness today, while therapy slots are scarce and waiting times worsen the prognosis.
Rief advocates for more flexible, individualized treatments and so-called stepped-care models, which offer graduated support depending on the severity of the illness – from digital services to intensive psychotherapy. His conclusion: We need to rethink expectations, methods, and structures so that those affected receive faster and more effective support.
Winfried Rief is a professor of clinical psychology and psychotherapy at Philipps University in Marburg. He is also the spokesperson for the LOEWE Center DYNAMIC, which has received funding since 2024. Under his leadership, one of Germany's first outpatient psychotherapy clinics was established. He and his team treat approximately 1,200 patients. Rief researches somatoform disorders, that is, physical complaints without an organic cause; anxiety, depression, and placebo effects. He is one of the most cited scientists in his field. His goal is to better understand what makes people mentally ill, but also what makes them healthy.
The full interview can be found in the special edition of Stern magazine on the topic of "Germany's Doctors" from February 19, 2026 (German only): https://shop.stern.de/de_DE/einzelhefte/sonderausgaben/stern-extra-epaper-01-2026/2186734.html