Talk therapy eases stubborn depression
A combination of therapy and medication is often the best way to treat depression.
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Adding a dose of cognitive therapy to antidepressant treatment can banish lingering symptoms of major depression, according to a report
published in the Archives of General Psychiatry. The new findings add to earlier evidence that combining talk therapy with drug therapy is the best way to keep recurring depression at bay.
In a 20-week study of 158 adults at high risk for depression relapse, about 30 percent of those who received both medication and cognitive therapy fell back into a depression. By contrast, 47 percent of those who took only antidepressants relapsed. Cognitive therapy is a form of counseling that helps people recognize and change negative assumptions and beliefs that cloud their views of themselves and the world.
published in the Archives of General Psychiatry. The new findings add to earlier evidence that combining talk therapy with drug therapy is the best way to keep recurring depression at bay.
In a 20-week study of 158 adults at high risk for depression relapse, about 30 percent of those who received both medication and cognitive therapy fell back into a depression. By contrast, 47 percent of those who took only antidepressants relapsed. Cognitive therapy is a form of counseling that helps people recognize and change negative assumptions and beliefs that cloud their views of themselves and the world.
CITATIONS
Paykel, ES, et al. "Prevention of relapse in residual depression by cognitive therapy." Archives of General Psychiatry, September 1999, pp. 829-35.If you suspect you are suffering from depression, make an appointment with your doctor soon. Prompt, proper treatment of depression can control symptoms and restore your quality of life. With many drug and nondrug options available, having up-to-date, unbiased information is very important.
This article originally appeared in Consumer Reports on Health in April 2000.
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