Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Depression

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Depression Study 1

Cognitive behavioral therapy seems to be comparable to antidepressants for reducing the chance of relapse or recurrence in people that have already been successfully treated for depression.

Researchers observed 160 subjects with major depressive disorder and who had experienced no less than 2 bouts of depression. Following 8 months of treatment, 52.5% achieved remission. Those in remission were then sent to one of 3 treatment groups. Twenty eight carried on taking their medication, thirty had their medication gradually replaced by placebo, and twenty six gradually stopped their medication after which they were given cognitive behavioral therapy.

In this cognitive behavioral therapy for depression, people learn how to observe and monitor their thinking patterns whenever they experience sadness, transforming reactions related to depression into opportunities for useful reflection.

After 18 months, 38% from the cognitive behavioral therapy group relapsed, 46% from the maintenance medication group and 60% from the placebo group.

For people reluctant or not able to tolerate maintenance antidepressant treatment, cognitive behavioral therapy provides the same protection against relapse throughout an 18 month period.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Depression Study 2

Depression is often a huge challenge for those with diabetes, which makes it more unlikely that they will adhere to a treatment plan or exercise program. A study examined a 12 months long program that started out with cognitive behavioral therapy consultations on the phone using a specially qualified nurse and then phased in a walking program.

The study results showed the treatment was effective in reducing patients’ blood pressure levels, increasing the amount of exercise and easing their symptoms of depression.

The cognitive behavior therapy helped them deal with negative thinking processes and behaviors which made it hard for them to deal with their diabetes and make healthy lifestyle choices.

By the end of 12 months, 58% of people who had been given the treatment had depression symptoms which were in remission, in comparison to only 39% of the people who didn’t get counseling.

Reference 1 for: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Depression
Reference 2 for: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Depression