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Copyright 2006 www.stopdepressiontoday.com
Psychotherapy is sometimes referred to as “talk” therapy.
Patients and their doctors talk about the experiences patients have had
and are having, important relationships, and future goals, as well as
the feelings, thoughts, and behaviors they produce. Psychotherapies are usually most helpful for less severe depressions, which form the largest part of the depressive spectrum. Psychotherapies alone
are less effective for more severe depressions, but may be helpful in
improving relationships, thinking patterns, or behaviors that may have
led to depression. General support of depressed patients is
always beneficial and may sustain them through their suffering even if
other treatments are ineffective. Education about depression and its treatment is an important part of all psychotherapies.
Psychotherapy Treatment For Depression
The Five Types Of Psychotherapy
Although psychotherapies are frequently provided to depressed patients, and many clinicians believe in their usefulness, there have been fewer scientific studies of their effectiveness compared with the studies of the effectiveness of antidepressant medications and electroconvulsive therapy. There are scores of specifically named psychotherapies. However, most psychotherapies are variations on one of the following five approaches (click the name for more information):
Although psychotherapies are frequently provided to depressed patients, and many clinicians believe in their usefulness, there have been fewer scientific studies of their effectiveness compared with the studies of the effectiveness of antidepressant medications and electroconvulsive therapy. There are scores of specifically named psychotherapies. However, most psychotherapies are variations on one of the following five approaches (click the name for more information):
Whatever
else happens in psychotherapy, the patient is provided with a
relationship with a doctor who has worked with other depressed
patients. Through this relationship the therapist provides
information about depression, and support to patient and family.
Psychotherapists also engender hope by providing an explanation for
depression and help in pursuing a particular psychotherapeutic approach
to the relief of depression.