Combining cognitive therapy and pharmacotherapy in treating depression on an in-patient basis

The authors present a case of a 40-year-old female with a history of recurrent unipolar depression in which combined treatment with cognitive therapy and medication was associated with significant clinical improvement. Rather than providing a straightforward example of combined interventions for depressed inpatients, it is hoped that some of the complexities involved in such an endeavour will be highlighted. Specifically, issues concerning planned communication between relevant staff, orientation of ward staff to nonorganic treatments, choice of treatment targets, and potential strains in the collaborative relationship between the cognitive therapist and treating physician are explored.