Selection of 61 hospitalised probationers with depressive disorder and their therapeutists were examined in view of the estimation of therapeutic effect and real efficacy of therapy. Non-explicit criteria, e.g. „feelings“ were used in the estimation in the trial are explained. Methods of selection of probationers and methods of research used. Authors used standard diagnostic methods and also set of items for identification of non-explicit criteria.

        Key words: therapeutic effect, explicit and non-explicit variables.