Duration of relapse prevention after cognitive therapy in residual depression: follow-up of controlled trial.
BACKGROUND
Although there is good evidence that cognitive therapy (CBT) lessens relapse and recurrence in unipolar depression, the duration of this effect is not known.


METHODS
One hundred and fifty-eight subjects, from a randomized controlled trial of CBT plus medication and clinical management versus medication and clinical management alone, were followed 6 years after randomization (4 1/2 years after completion of CBT) and the longitudinal course assessed.


RESULTS
Effects in prevention of relapse and recurrence were found to persist, with weakening, and were not fully lost until 3 1/2 years after the end of CBT. Residual symptoms were also lessened.


CONCLUSIONS
The effect of CBT in reduction of relapse and recurrence persists for several years. The potential value of subsequent additional CBT some time after cessation should be explored.
Paykel
E S
ES
Department of Psychiatry, University of Cambridge, UK. esp10@cam.ac.uk
Scott
J
J
Cornwall
P L
PL
Abbott
R
R
Crane
C
C
Pope
M
M
Johnson
A L
AL
D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / Q000379:methods*; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D003866:Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy*; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D039721:Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D016032:Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; D055502:Secondary Prevention