Progress and limitations in psychotherapy research : a focus on depression

During the last 15 years we have made substantial advances in our understanding of psychotherapy research and our ability to conduct this research effectively. Advances have occurred in several areas, including diagnosis, outcome assessment, and the technology of efficacy studies. These advances have improved the credibility of psychotherapy as a form of medical intervention and improved the efficacy of psychotherapeutic techniques. A review of progress in the psychotherapy of depression illustrates the positive impact of these advances and provides a useful framework for exploring areas requiring increased attention and research.