Pre-existing antidepressant medication and the outcome of group cognitive-behavioural therapy.
OBJECTIVE
This study aimed to investigate the impact of pre-existing medication on the outcome of group cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) in the treatment of patients with depression.


METHODS
Of the 71 patients diagnosed with major depression who participated in group CBT, 25 were on medication (CBT-M) and 46 were unmedicated (CBT). The patients received 12 sessions of group CBT over a 3-month period. The dependent measures used were the Beck Depression Inventory, Zung Self-Rating Depression Scale, Automatic Thoughts Questionnaire, Hopelessness Scale, Dysfunctional Attitude Scale, Daily Activity Rating Scale and Daily Mood Rating Scale.


RESULTS
Both the CBT and CBT-M groups showed statistically significant improvement in depression scores and cognitive process measures. However, the rate of improvement for both groups on these measures did not differ.


CONCLUSIONS
The study indicated that pre-existing antidepressant medication did not enhance or detract from the positive treatment outcome of depressed patients receiving a group CBT treatment.
Oei
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University of Queensland and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy Unit, Toowong Private Hospital, Australia. oei@psy.uq.edu.au
Yeoh
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D000328:Adult; D014150:Antipsychotic Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011569:Psychiatric Status Rating Scales; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D014150:Antipsychotic Agents