Depression « Beck Institute Blog

Archive for the ‘Depression’ Category

4 New Studies Added to the Academy of Cognitive Therapy’s Research Corner

Tuesday, July 20th, 2010

1. A meta-analytic review of prolonged exposure for posttraumatic stress disorder

In this study, Powers et al. conducted a meta-analysis of the effectiveness of prolonged exposure (PE) for treating posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The researchers defined PE using the criteria developed by Foa, Rothbaum, Riggs, & Murdock (1991), including imaginal and in vivo exposure. They analyzed 13 studies with a total of 658 patients. The results of their analysis showed that PE is an extremely effective treatment for PTSD as compared to the control group, though it is not significantly different as compared to other active treatments, such as cognitive processing therapy (CPT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), cognitive therapy (CT), and stress inoculation training (SIT).

2. Therapist competence in cognitive therapy for depression: Predicting subsequent symptom change

In this study, Strunk et al. examined whether therapists’ competence ratings predict patients’ outcomes, including change in their depressive symptoms. The participants were 60 moderately to severely depressed outpatients. Therapists’ competence was evaluated using the Cognitive Therapy Rating Scale. The researchers found that competence ratings predicted session-to-session symptom change early in treatment. Competence ratings also significantly predicted evaluator-rated end-of-treatment symptom severity. However, competence ratings only predicted self-reported symptom severity at the level of a nonsignificant trend.

3. Meta-analysis of homework effects in cognitive and behavioral therapy: A replication and extension

In this meta-analysis, Kazantzis et al. used the results of 46 studies to examine homework’s effect on the outcome of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). The researchers concluded that homework does increase the effectiveness of CBT.

4. The process of change in cognitive therapy for depression: Predictors of early inter-session symptom gains

In this study, Strunk et al., examined 60 patients with moderate to severe depression in order to evaluate patient and therapist contributions to effective cognitive therapy (CT). Therapist behaviors that predicted improvements included adhering to cognitive methods and negotiating session content. Patient behaviors that predicted improvements included facilitating instead of inhibiting the therapist’s adherence to the structure of the session.

To learn more about the Academy of Cognitive Therapy, click here: http://www.academyofct.org

To see these studies in ACT’s research corner, click here.

Tags: ACT, cbt, homework, inter-session symptom gains, Post-Traumatic Stress, research corner, therapist competence
Posted in Academy of CT, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Therapists, Depression, Post-Traumatic Stress, Research Results | No Comments »

CBT is Effective for Tourette’s Syndrome

Thursday, May 27th, 2010

A new study is the first to show that CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) is effective in patients with Tourette’s syndrome and tic disorders, regardless of their medication status or symptom severity. 76 adult participants, all of whom had been diagnosed with the aforementioned conditions, were divided into two groups; those who were prescribed medication and those who were not. All of the participants underwent four months of individualized, manual-based CBT. Before and after receiving CBT, measures were taken to assess depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, and planning style. Also, the Tourette Syndrome Global Scale was employed to assess various factors, including severity and treatment outcome.

The results demonstrated that both groups—medicated and unmedicated—greatly improved from the CBT. The unmedicated group improved in terms of anxiety, while both groups’ depressive symptoms decreased.

Tags: cbt, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, medication, Tourette's, tourette's and anxiety, tourette's and depression
Posted in Anxiety, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Depression, Medical Disorders, OCD, Tourette's Syndrome | No Comments »

CBT Found to Be Clinically Effective for Depressed Older Adults in Primary Care

Monday, December 14th, 2009

A new study published in the Archives of General Psychiatry investigated the clinical effectiveness of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) for older adults in primary care. A total of 204 men and women aged 65 years or older with geriatric depression were randomly assigned to one of three groups: treatment as usual (TAU), TAU plus a talking control (TC), and TAU plus CBT. The CBT and TC treatments were offered over a period of four months and participants were followed up at 10 months. Depressive levels were measured with the Beck Depression Inventory-II (BDI-II) at baseline, at four months (the end of therapy), and again at 10 months. Based on BDI-II scores per session, a significant benefit of CBT versus the TAU and TC was observed, pointing to CBT as an effective treatment for depression in older adults.

This study was the largest CBT study conducted by general practitioner of their patients.

Posted in Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Therapy, Depression, Older Adults, Research Results | No Comments »

CBT for Soldiers: A personal message to professionals from Drs. Aaron and Judith Beck

Thursday, December 3rd, 2009

Dear Colleagues,

We are trying to address a very serious problem: military personnel who need effective psychological/psychiatric treatment but who are not receiving it. To address this urgent problem, we have embarked upon a new initiative to offer partial scholarships to our Cognitive Behavior Therapy training programs for mental health professionals who treat soldiers, veterans, and their families (www.cbtforsoldiers.org).

Cognitive ehavior therapy (CBT) has been demonstrated in hundreds of controlled trials worldwide to be effective for a wide range of problems, including depression, suicide, post traumatic stress disorder, anxiety disorders, substance abuse, and many more.

The non-profit Beck Institute in suburban Philadelphia is recognized as one of the premiere training sites for this kind of psychotherapy. The application of cognitive therapy to the needs of our military veterans is clear. The RAND Corporation conducted a study for the military on Predicting the Consequences of PTSD, Depression and Traumatic Brain Injury. One of the study’s summary conclusions is that the capacity to provide evidence-based psychotherapies for PTSD and major depression (for example, CBT) would be important in closing the treatment gap.

We would like to bring our expertise to mental health professionals who treat soldiers, veterans, and their families. Please visit www.cbtforsoldiers.org.

Tags: CBT for soldiers, Post-Traumatic Stress, scholarships
Posted in Aaron T. Beck, Anxiety, Beck Institute, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Therapists, Cognitive Therapy, Cognitive Therapy Training for Professionals, Depression, Judith S. Beck, Military issues, Post-Traumatic Stress, Post-Traumatic Stress & Military Service, Suicide, Training | No Comments »

Cognitive Behavior Therapy Versus Light Therapy in the Treatment of SAD

Wednesday, October 21st, 2009

According to a study published in the September issue of Behavior Therapy, researchers at the University of Vermont demonstrated that cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) was more effective than light therapy (LT) in the long-term treatment of seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Rohan and colleagues first randomized 69 participants into one of four groups: a light therapy treatment, a cognitive behavior therapy treatment, a combination of LT and CBT treatments, and a waist-list control. They then surveyed participants one year later. The results of that survey indicate that the CBT group (7.0%) and combination group (5.5%) had significantly less recurrence of winter depression during the following season, than the light therapy group (36.7%). These results persisted even after adjustments for ongoing treatment with light therapy, medication, and psychotherapy were made. A $2 million, 5-year grant from the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) will advance the next phase of this study, which is already underway.

Reference:

Rohan, K.J., Roecklein, K.A., Lacy, T.J., Vacek, P.M. (2009) Winter depression one year after cognitive-behavioral therapy, light therapy, or combination treatment. Behavior Therapy, 40, 225-238.

Posted in Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Therapy, Depression, Research Results, Seasonal Affective Disorder | No Comments »

CBT Meta-Analysis Review is Most Downloaded Article in CPR

Wednesday, July 15th, 2009

It looks as if the research efficacy of Cognitive Therapy is becoming more well-known. Clinical Psychology Review is a peer-reviewed journal that publishes substantive reviews of topics relevant to clinical psychology. The most downloaded article from this important journal is The empirical status of cognitive-behavioral therapy: A review of meta-analyses (Volume 26, Issue 1, January 2006, Pages 17-31), authored by Andrew C. Butler, Jason E. Chapman, Evan M. Forman and Aaron T. Beck.

This 2006 review summarizes CBT treatment outcomes for a wide array of psychiatric disorders and includes sixteen methodologically rigorous meta-analyses. Findings are consistent with previous review methodologies and demonstrate the efficacy of CBT for many disorders. Specifically, unipolar depression, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder (with or without agoraphobia), social phobia, posttraumatic stress disorder, and childhood depressive and anxiety disorders all showed large effect sizes. Marital distress, anger, childhood somatic disorders, and chronic pain showed moderate effect sizes.

CBT was also shown to be somewhat superior to antidepressants in the treatment of adult depression and as effective as behavior therapy in the treatment of both adult depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Bulimia nervosa and schizophrenia showed large, uncontrolled effect sizes.

Posted in Aaron T. Beck, Anxiety, BI Blog Info, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Therapy, Depression, Eating Disorders, Post-Traumatic Stress, Research Results, Schizophrenia | No Comments »

Mood Disorders: Effects of Intensive CBT

Monday, April 20th, 2009

NewStudy-Graphic-72x72_edited-3 A recent study in the Journal of Psychiatric Practice found that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) interventions used in an intensive partial-hospital (PH) setting are effective in treating severe mood disorders.

PH settings differ from inpatient treatment in that they are more flexible and less expensive. In this study, with CBT as the primary treatment, the length of stay was only 2 weeks. The researchers’ aims were to find the specific aspects of CBT that were successful in the treatment of mood disorders in a short-term PH setting.

The treatment included group and individual psychotherapy. Patients attended 12-20 group sessions per week. A written treatment contract was used and reviewed weekly to set specific goals and promote collaboration between patients and staff.

Group therapy was primarily CBT-oriented. The goals of therapy included teaching self-assessment (such as challenging maladaptive thoughts), behavioral coping (such as behavioral scheduling and behavioral activation), and developing better and more effective communication strategies.

The two-week treatment was divided into two stages. In the first, patients learned to identify triggers and utilize cognitive restructuring, among other interventions. The second stage included relapse prevention plans for a crisis situation and future plans (such as returning to work or school).

The researchers showed that both behavioral activation and a decrease in negative cognitions are associated with a decrease in depressive symptomatology at discharge. Additionally a decrease in negative thinking is associated with reduced general psychological distress at discharge.

Study Authors: M. S. Christopher, K. L. Jacob, E. C. Neuhaus, T. J. Neary, L. A. Fiola

Posted in BI Blog Info, Depression | No Comments »

Generalized Anxiety Disorder — CBT Benefits Older Adults in Primary Care

Tuesday, April 14th, 2009

The results of a randomized clinical trial published in JAMA indicate that cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) can be effective for older adults with symptoms of worry and depression.

The 3-month CBT protocol was conducted in primary care clinics and included education, cognitive therapy, and problem-solving skills. Measures included the Beck Anxiety Inventory and Beck Depression Inventory II. Post-treatment assessments were conducted every three months over fifteen months.

Compared with the control group, patients who received treatment showed improvement in worry severity, depressive symptoms, and general mental health. A measure of GAD severity, however, did not indicate greater improvement with CBT.

The authors concluded that CBT is useful for this population especially in primary care settings, “where older adults most often seek treatment.”

Study authors: M. A. Stanley, N. L. Wilson, D. M. Novy, H. M. Rhoades, et al.

Posted in Anxiety, BI Blog Info, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Therapy, Depression | No Comments »

In rural Pakistan, community health workers effectively treat perinatal Depression with CBT

Friday, October 17th, 2008

According to a study published in The Lancet, community health workers in rural Pakistan who were trained to provide cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to women with postpartum depression were able to successfully reduce the prevalence of major depression in that population. The intervention included 4 sessions prior to delivery, 3 during the first postnatal month, and 9 monthly sessions thereafter. Control group subjects were visited for the same number of sessions by untrained health workers. It was noted that infants in the intervention group also benefited, as compared to the control group infants.

The authors concluded that this intervention had great potential in treating a “very high proportion of women for a highly prevalent and disabling mental disorder in Pakistan and other low-income countries.”

Study authors: A. Rahman, A. Malik, S. Sikander, et al.

Posted in BI Blog Info, Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Therapy, Depression, Post-partum Depression | No Comments »