Eval of Treatments for Depression

• Effectiveness of CBT


  • There have been numerous studies that have shown CBT is effective in reducing symptoms of moderate and severe depression and in preventing relapse, especially for those who only have depression
  • 81% of the CBT group were significantly improved, suggesting CBT is very effective in treating depression
  • CBT may be even more effective when used as a combined treatment alongside medication
• Competence of Therapist


  • Therapist competence appears to explain a significant amount of variation in CBT outcomes
  • As much as 15% of the variance in outcome may be attributed to therapist competence
  • The therapists who were assessed as most competent had better patient outcomes regardless of the complexity of the case
  • The effectiveness of CBT depends upon the training and skills of the therapist
• Appropriateness of CBT


  • CBT techniques are appropriate for use in a wide variety of situations and modes of delivery
  • CBT has been used successfully with people of all ages with degrees of depression from mild to severe
  • In some cases the depression can be so severe that patients cannot motivate themselves to engage with the hard cognitive work of CBT
  • There are the time constraints and the financial costs of CBT to consider compared to drug therapy
  • A range of factors need to be considered when weighing up the costs and benefits of CBT as an appropriate therapy in treating depression
• CBT is effective for both severe and milder forms of depression
• CBT was not effective for people who have very rigid attitudes and who are resistant to change
• CBT was not effective for people who have high stress levels, due to long term problems in their lives that a brief treatment like CBT cannot resolve
• An alternative form of therapy may be more appropriate for individuals with rigid attitudes, resistance to change, or high stress levels