Is there a role for continuation phase cognitive therapy for depressed outpatients?
Two pilot studies evaluated the rate of relapse or recurrence (i.e., major depressive disorder) after cognitive therapy (CT). Two sequential cohorts included outpatients who responded to acute phase CT (A-CT) and who agreed to monthly, treatment-free follow-up. In Study 1, the Kaplan-Meier technique estimated relapse and recurrence rates of 40% at 6 months, 45% at 8 months, 50% at 12 months, 67% at 18 months, and 74% at 24 months. In Study 2, responders to A-CT received 8 months (10 sessions) of continuation phase CT (C-CT). In Study 2, relapse or recurrence was 20% at 6 and 8 months, 27% at 12 months, and 36% at 18 and 24 months after A-CT. An exploratory log-rank test showed that relapse or recurrence-free survival was greater in Study 2 than in Study 1. If replicated, this result suggests that C-CT can reduce depressive relapse or recurrence. Alternative explanations are presented.
Jarrett
R B
RB
Department of Psychiatry, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas 75235-9149, USA. rjarr1@mednet.swmed.edu
Basco
M R
MR
Risser
R
R
Ramanan
J
J
Marwill
M
M
Kraft
D
D
Rush
A J
AJ
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods* / Q000458:organization & administration / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000628:therapy*; D018572:Disease-Free Survival; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D018570:Risk Assessment; D055502:Secondary Prevention