title: Psychotherapy for depression: a randomized clinical trial comparing schema therapy and cognitive behavior therapy.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The efficacy of Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) for depression has been robustly supported, however, up to fifty percent of individuals do not respond fully. A growing body of research indicates Schema Therapy (ST) is an effective treatment for difficult and entrenched problems, and as such, may be an effective therapy for depression.
  
  
  METHODS
  In this randomized clinical trial the comparative efficacy of CBT and ST for depression was examined. 100 participants with major depression received weekly cognitive behavioral therapy or schema therapy sessions for 6 months, followed by monthly therapy sessions for 6 months. Key outcomes were comparisons over the weekly and monthly sessions of therapy along with remission and recovery rates. Additional analyses examined outcome for those with chronic depression and comorbid personality disorders.
  
  
  RESULTS
  ST was not significantly better (nor worse) than CBT for the treatment of depression. The therapies were of comparable efficacy on all key outcomes. There were no differential treatment effects for those with chronic depression or comorbid personality disorders.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study needs replication.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This preliminary research indicates that ST may provide an effective alternative therapy for depression.
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychology, University of Canterbury, P.O. Box 4800, Christchurch, New Zealand. Electronic address: janet.carter@canterbury.co.nz.
authors.forename: Janet D
authors.initials: JD
authors.lastname: Carter
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Virginia V
authors.initials: VV
authors.lastname: McIntosh
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Jordan
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Richard J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: Porter
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Christopher M
authors.initials: CM
authors.lastname: Frampton
authors.affiliation: Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago, Christchurch, New Zealand.
authors.forename: Peter R
authors.initials: PR
authors.lastname: Joyce
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D015928:Cognitive Behavioral Therapy; D003865:Major Depressive Disorder / Q000523:psychology / Q000628:therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011613:Psychotherapy; D016896:Treatment Outcome
keywords: CBT; Depression: RCT; Psychotherapy; Schema