The Upper Bavarian longitudinal community study on psychopathology 1975-2004: 1. Methods and first results.

Objective: This paper presents background information on the methods and first results of the 25-years follow-up of the prospective longitudinal Upper Bavarian Study in the community. Longitudinal epidemiological studies which cover very long time spans require special methods. Issues concerning these requirements are discussed using design and experiences from the Upper Bavarian Study.