Psychological or Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is the second arm of treatment for depression. Cognitive therapy addresses the pessimistic ideas, unrealistic expectations, and overly critical self-evaluations that create depression and sustain it. Problem solving therapy addresses the areas of the person's life that are creating significant stress, and contributing to the depression.
Ideal treatment plans will vary from patient to patient and depends largely on patient preference. The doctor should therefore discuss each type of therapy in detail and take the patients wishes into account when recommending a treatment plan.
Research has not shown any particular therapy, or combination of therapies, to be any more effective than the other.
Some patients may prefer either pharmacologic or psychological therapy in isolation, while others may feel more comfortable with combined therapy.
