Hostname: page-component-7c8c6479df-p566r Total loading time: 0 Render date: 2024-03-26T22:03:09.742Z Has data issue: false hasContentIssue false

Dose–effect relations in time-limited combined psycho-pharmacological treatment for depression

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  21 December 2004

J. DEKKER
Affiliation:
Depression Research Group of the Mentrum Institute for Mental Health, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department Clinical Psychology, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam; Universiteit van Amsterdam
P. J. MOLENAAR
Affiliation:
Depression Research Group of the Mentrum Institute for Mental Health, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department Clinical Psychology, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam; Universiteit van Amsterdam
S. KOOL
Affiliation:
Depression Research Group of the Mentrum Institute for Mental Health, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department Clinical Psychology, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam; Universiteit van Amsterdam
G. VAN AALST
Affiliation:
Depression Research Group of the Mentrum Institute for Mental Health, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department Clinical Psychology, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam; Universiteit van Amsterdam
J. PEEN
Affiliation:
Depression Research Group of the Mentrum Institute for Mental Health, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department Clinical Psychology, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam; Universiteit van Amsterdam
F. de JONGHE
Affiliation:
Depression Research Group of the Mentrum Institute for Mental Health, Amsterdam, The Netherlands; Department Clinical Psychology, Vrije Universiteit, Amsterdam; Universiteit van Amsterdam

Abstract

Background. A limited number of psychotherapy sessions in combination with medication is preferable to pharmacotherapy only in the treatment of ambulatory patients with major depression. Whether there is a relation between the number of sessions and the efficacy of the treatment is uncertain.

Method. Randomized clinical trial comparing two treatment conditions in outpatients with major depression. All patients studied had a baseline score of at least 14 points on the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale. The two conditions consist of 8-session or 16-session Short Psychodynamic Supportive Psychotherapy, both in combination with pharmacotherapy. Efficacy was assessed using the 17-item HDRS, the CGI of Severity and of Improvement, the depression subscale of the SCL-90 and the Quality of Life Depression Scale.

Results. The rate of change would seem to indicate that eight sessions are preferable for both moderately and severely depressed patients, although the results converged again at the end. Furthermore, in terms of satisfaction with the number of sessions and drop-out percentages during treatment, no differences were found between the conditions.

Conclusion. In the light of the outcome analysis (faster remission after fewer sessions), a short version of the psychotherapy treatment in a combined course of treatment seems to be justified.

Type
Research Article
Copyright
2005 Cambridge University Press

Access options

Get access to the full version of this content by using one of the access options below. (Log in options will check for institutional or personal access. Content may require purchase if you do not have access.)