Cognitive-behavior therapies for major depression: current status with an emphasis on prophylaxis

This paper reviews the major findings of studies evaluating the efficacy and secondary prevention aspects of the cognitive-behavior therapies (CBT) for depression. Currently, CBT includes well-developed systems of several psychotherapy/behavior therapy in both individual and group modalities. These approaches have been shown to be efficacious, when comparable to any standard treatment, with unipolar, non-psychotic depressions. They remain untested in bipolar disorders. The paper addresses both values of combined treatments, and the limitations of these approaches. As the Beck, Rush, Shaw and Emery (1979) approach to CBT has been shown in seven studies to lower relapse and recurrence rates, these important findings are emphasized. The paper is placed in the context of the literature of psychosocial factors in the onset, maintenance and recurrence of the depressive disorders.