Existential dynamic therapy ("VITA") for treatment-resistant depression with cluster C disorder: matched comparison to treatment as usual.
Existential suffering may contribute to treatment-resistant depression. The "VITA" treatment model was designed for such patients with long-standing depression accompanied by existential and/or religious concerns. This naturalistic effectiveness study compared the VITA model (n = 50) with a "treatment as usual" comparison group (TAU; n = 50) of patients with treatment-resistant depression and cluster c comorbidity. The TAU patients were matched on several characteristics with the VITA patients. The VITA model included existential, dynamic, narrative and affect-focused components. The VITA group had significantly greater improvement on symptom distress and relational problems during treatment and from pre-treatment to 1-year follow-up. Patients in the VITA, at follow-up, were more likely to be employed and less likely be using psychotropic medications.
Modum Bad Clinic, Research Institute, Vikersund, Norway. Gry.Stalsett@modum-bad.no
Gry
G
Stålsett
Tore
T
Gude
M Helge
MH
Rønnestad
Jon T
JT
Monsen
D000328:Adult; D061218:Depressive Disorder, Treatment-Resistant / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D005086:Existentialism; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D062525:Narrative Therapy / Q000379:methods; D010554:Personality Disorders / Q000150:complications / Q000628:therapy*; D011575:Psychoanalytic Therapy / Q000379:methods; D011613:Psychotherapy / Q000379:methods*; D012069:Religion and Psychology; D029181:Spirituality; D016896:Treatment Outcome