New hope for those with depression

Cognitive behavioural therapy has been proven to reduce symptoms of depression and improve quality of life where antidepressants have not been effective.

Medication is the most common treatment for people with moderate to severe depression. However, around two thirds of people don’t fully respond to it. Researchers from the Universities of Exeter, Bristol and Glasgow have carried out large scale trials to test the talking psychotherapy. 469 patients aged 18-79 were recruited, and were split into two groups: one continued with antidepressants and GP support, and the other received CBT in addition to the medication and support.

After six months, 46% of those who had received CBT experienced a decrease of symptoms by at least 50% – only 22% of the group who continued with medication alone had the same results. The positive effects continued over 12 months, proving that combining CBT with antidepressants is an effective remedy for depression.

Willem Kuyken, Professor of Clinical Psychology at the University of Exeter, said: “This trial demonstrates that people with complex and long standing needs who have not responded to antidepressants can derive substantive and lasting benefit from CBT”.