Cognitive Behavioral Therapy may Have Utility in Refractory Depression

A new study published in the journal The Lancet reveals that people with depression who do not respond to conventional drug treatment can benefit from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).

Researchers at Bristol University's school of social and community medicine analyzed over 469 patients from GP practices in Bristol, Exeter and Glasgow over 12 months. All of the patients had displayed resistance to treatment for depression. The patients were divided into two groups with one group receiving usual care for depression from their GPs, including anti-depressant medications, while the second group was also treated with CBT.

The researchers found that over 46 percent of patients who received CBT reported a 50 percent decline in their depression symptoms compared to just 22 percent among those who received treatment from GPs.

"While the addition of CBT was effective for patients who had not responded to anti-depressants, not everyone who received CBT got better. These patients had severe and chronic depression so it is unlikely that one treatment would be effective for everyone", lead researcher Dr Nicola Wiles said.



Source: Medindia