title: Psychotherapy of refractory depressions.
abstract: Psychotherapy is a potentially valuable intervention for treatment-resistant depression. This review provides a brief, general overview of the use of psychotherapy to treat depression and more focused consideration of time-limited interpersonal, behavioral, and cognitive behavioral strategies for patients who are not responsive to antidepressant medication. Effective strategies emphasize individualized assessment, psychoeducation, a high level of structure and therapist activity, operationalized short-term goals, self-help and homework activities, and an empirical-collaborative approach to treatment. Although some treatment-resistant patients respond to therapy alone, more promising evidence is emerging from studies of combined strategies.
authors.affiliation: University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, PA 15213, USA.
authors.forename: M E
authors.initials: ME
authors.lastname: Thase
mesh_terms: D000928:Antidepressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D001294:Attitude to Health; D001521:Behavior Therapy / Q000379:methods; D019090:Case Management; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D003863:Depression / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D004351:Drug Resistance; D006801:Humans; D010554:Personality Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy; D011613:Psychotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D017211:Treatment Failure
chemical_list: D000928:Antidepressive Agents