Preventing the Recurrence of Depression with Drugs and Psychotherapy

The purpose of this study is to determine whether the addition of Cognitive Therapy (CT) to antidepressant medication (ADM) enhances treatment for depression. This study will also test whether the addition of CT to ADM will prevent recurrences of depression after therapy is over.

Official Title

Prevention of Recurrence in Depression with Drugs and CT

Conditions

– Depression

Study Type

Interventional

Study Design

Prevention, Randomized, Single Blind, Active Control, Parallel Assignment, Efficacy Study

Further Details

It is commonly believed that the combination of ADM and psychotherapy is more effective in treating depression than either treatment alone. Data indicate that CT enhances the initial effects of ADM, but little research has been conducted to determine whether prior exposure to CT prevents the onset of new depressive episodes. This study will determine the effectiveness of adding CT to ADM for the treatment of depression. Participants are randomly assigned to receive either ADM alone or ADM plus CT for up to 1 year. Remitted patients are continued on medication for up to 18 months until they meet criteria for recovery. At recovery, patients receiving combined treatment discontinue cognitive therapy; all recovered patients are randomized a second time to either maintenance medication or medication withdrawal. Patients are then monitored over 36 months to ascertain risk for recurrence of depressive symptoms.

Study Start

Eligibility & Criteria

Ages Eligible for Study: 18 Years and above, Genders Eligible for Study: Both Criteria Inclusion Criteria:Recurrent or chronic major depressive disorder

Total Enrolment

450

Contact Details

[1] Steven D. Hollon, PhD, Principal Investigator, Vanderbilt University [2] Robert J. DeRubeis, PhD, Principal Investigator, University of Pennsylvania [3] Jan A. Fawcett, MD, Principal Investigator, Rush Medical Center