CBT treatment vs. psychopharmacology in the treatment of depression.

Perhaps the most effective treatment for depression is a combination of cognitive behavioral therapy and antidepressants. The degree to which the patient displays depressive symptoms might dictate which treatment approach is the best. When evaluating a depressed client, it is important to assess his or her current level of functioning. If the patient is suicidal, an involuntary committment may be necessary. If there is no threat of suicide present, the treating psychiatrist may prescribe the patient a lower dosage of an antidepressant; in addition, the patient may be referred for psychotherapy.

The treatment approach may also depend on who the patient initially sees for help. If a psyician is sought for treatment, the patient will most likely be treated with antidepressants only; however, the physician would serve the patient well by recommending psychotherapy as well. If a psychotherapist is sought, cognitive-behavior therapy could be the best, and possibly only, treatment modality necessary.

Because there is a need to educate and retrain the thought processes of the patient, medication alone may be effective in treating the presenting symptoms but mask the real underlying issues. Therefore, the best approach to treating a depressive patient might be a combination of psychotherapy and antidepressants. When possible, family therapy should be implimented into the patient's overall treatment plan.

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