In Brief: Drug-free relapse prevention
In Brief
Drug-free relapse prevention
Depressed patients successfully treated with an antidepressant drug are often instructed to keep on taking the drug indefinitely. A study by Italian researchers suggests that may not always be necessary if patients receive a short course of psychotherapy to consolidate their gains.
Forty chronically depressed patients were treated with one of several antidepressants for three months until they were much improved, although many had residual symptoms. Then, while continuing to take the drug for another four months, they were divided into two groups. One group received 10 half-hour sessions of cognitive and behavioral therapies — one every other week. The control group met with prescribing physicians for a half hour every other week.
To continue reading this article, you must log in.
Subscribe to Harvard Health Online for immediate access to health news and information from Harvard Medical School.
- Research health conditions
- Check your symptoms
- Prepare for a doctor's visit or test
- Find the best treatments and procedures for you
- Explore options for better nutrition and exercise
I'd like to receive access to Harvard Health Online for only $4.99 a month.
Sign Me UpAlready a member? Login ».
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, Harvard Health Publishing provides access to our library of archived content. Please note the date of last review or update on all articles.
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
