Types of Psychotherapy for Depression
Consider the "Talking Cure"
-- By Dean Anderson, Behavioral Psychology Expert
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If you’re like most people, the first thought that comes to mind when you think about treating depression probably involves medication. It certainly would be wonderful if the illness that afflicts 17 million American adults every year could be cured by a simple visit to the doctor and a prescription. However, the evidence is clear that this dream has not yet become reality.
The consensus among health professionals is that major depression is a complex, “biopsychosocial” illness, and that treating all three of these dimensions (biological, psychological and social) is necessary for most people. For a small minority, medication alone may be enough to quickly end a current depressive episode. But for many, medication isn't enough. Studies show that your chances for avoiding or minimizing the effects of future depressive episodes will be greater if you get the help you need to recognize and manage the patterns of thought, feeling, and behavior that make major depression so debilitating.
Research also shows that the most effective treatment plan for most people includes eight to 12 weeks of weekly psychotherapy, either with or without medication. This article will explain the most common types of psychotherapy, which all have proven track records for helping people deal with the psychological and social dimensions of depression. Use this as a guide when deciding which type might be best for you.
