Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Can Reduce Depression

Cognitive behavioral therapy can reduce symptoms of depression in those who failed to show a positive reaction to the drug therapy, according to researchers in the Lancet.

CBT, a type of psychological therapy found positive effects on nearly half of the 234 patients who received this therapy and combined with normal treatment.

More than two-thirds of people with depression do not respond to anti-depressant drugs.

CBT is a form of psychological talk therapy to help those with depression, changing the way they think to improve their feelings and change behavior.

This study followed 469 patients with treatment-resistant depression, selected by the Public Health Practitioner (GP = General Practitioner) in Bristol, Exeter and Glasgow for 12 months.


One group of patients continued their usual treatment received from the GP, which usually consists of anti-depressant medication, while the second group received additional CBT.

After six months, the researchers found that 46% who had received CBT reported that at least 50 percent have experienced reduced symptoms. While other groups decreased only 22%.

The study concluded CBT is effective in reducing symptoms and improving the quality of life of patients. This increase continues to run for 12 months.

"Not all patients who received CBT to be improved. Such patients have severe and chronic depression that only one treatment will be effective for everyone, "said Dr Nicola Wiles of the Center for Mental Health, Addiction, and Suicide Case Research at the University of Bristol.

"We need to invest to do more research to find an alternative treatment for patients whose symptoms do not respond to anti-depressant medication," he said.

Patients who have progressed from CBT spend one hour a week at a psychological clinic learning skills to help them change the way you think.

"This study confirms what these approaches - psychological and physical - can complement each other," said Chris Williams, a professor of psychiatry at the University of Glasgow psychosocial who are part of the research team.