Depression Psychotherapies usually help better than antidepressants

Study on the effect of psychotherapy brings interesting results
Can psychotherapy produce similar results as treatment with antidepressants? Researchers from the Austrian University Krems now answered this question. Together with American scientists, they examined 45 existing studies and concluded that cognitive behavioral therapy is a reliable, evidence-based option for initial treatment.

Is it possible that psychotherapy works just as well as antidepressants for certain behavioral problems such as anxiety and compulsion? The team of researchers found that the effect of psychotherapy is higher than previously thought. The current study proves that exclusive treatment with medications is not always the best way to recover. The results of the study were published by "U.S. Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality ".

Does cognitive behavioral therapy work more effectively as a remedy for depression? (Image: DBPics / fotolia.com)

Recognize causes of depression and treat them early
What is meant by cognitive behavioral therapy? This form of psychotherapy is usually used to treat fears, compulsions or addictions. It is important that the patients clarify the reasons for their behavior and learn how to change them, said the physician Gerald Gartlehner from the University of Krems. Those affected need to be aware of the cause of their depression. Understanding and accepting one's own problems is a good basis for subsequent treatment.

Good "chemistry" between doctor and patient is the most important basis for therapy
There are also researchers who criticize the focus of the study on behavioral therapy. Every single psychotherapy would be based on a training effect, said the President of the Austrian Professional Association for Psychotherapy. Peter Stippl. If patients have completed psychotherapy, that does not mean that they will never be depressed again. It is important that those affected learn to deal better with their problem. The results of the current study show that not the method of psychotherapy is crucial for their success. In order for such a therapy to be successful, the relationship between the patient and the therapist must rather be right. Stippl in a statement added. It is important that there is good communication between each other.

Medication support the treatment
But what about the use of antidepressants? This sees Dr. Stippl extremely differentiated. As part of investigations should have been previously clarified by a doctor, where actually exactly the causes of depression lie. However, this is always a sensitive topic and must be evaluated individually for each individual. It should be initially clarified whether the depression was triggered for example by missing important development steps in the CV. Changes in everyday life and metabolic disorders should also be taken into account and analyzed. If you look at psychotherapy in the long term, it is certainly superior to the use of antidepressants. However, without such medication, it would not be possible to convince patients with severe depression to talk about their problems in an open conversation and to deal with their causes, the physician explained in the study.