Effectiveness of psychotherapy for both endogenous and nonendogenous depression in older adult outpatients

This study explored the effectiveness of brief psychotherapies for treatment of elderly depressed outpatients. All were in a current episode of major depressive disorder, but half the sample (n = 15) presented with endogenous symptomatology as well. Patients were assigned to either behavioral, cognitive, or insight-oriented psychotherapy for 16 sessions over a 12-week period. Evaluation occurred before and after therapy, and at four times during a 1-year follow-up interval. Nonendogenous patients responded more favorably to psychotherapy; this differential effect persisted throughout follow-up. Significant improvement, however, was made by some endogenous patients. One-third were not depressed by termination of therapy, and seven others were notably improved. Eight of 15 had not relapsed at 1-year follow-up.