The development of the 'day-programs' — i.e. a variety of programmed activities presented to the patient in a structured time schedule for a period of 6 weeks or (much) longer — is discussed from the point of view of activating therapy. The advantages of the 'day-programs' in different phases of clinical work are described.
The author is convinced that the 'day-programs' form an important aspect of the general therapeutic sphere of the psychiatric hospital and he considers them as an integral part of the basic philosophy in modern clinical treatment.