An exploratory study: the psychoeducational group treatment of drug-refractory unipolar depression

The present study is a clinical evaluation or pilot study aimed at evaluating the practicality of implementing a psychoeducational group treatment for outpatients with unipolar depression who have not responded to antidepressant medication. The treatment was designed to teach skills related to improved mood, including: relaxation, increasing pleasant activities, cognitive strategies, and social skills. Of the 10 patients who participated, one dropped out, four were no longer depressed, two showed some improvement, and three were still depressed after treatment. Improvements were maintained at 1-month and 9-month follow-ups.