title: Comparative effectiveness of cognitive and dynamic therapies for major depressive disorder in a community mental health setting: study protocol for a randomized non-inferiority trial.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  There is substantial evidence that cognitive therapy is an effective intervention for the treatment of major depressive disorder. Although dynamic psychotherapies have been widely studied and are commonly practiced worldwide, there are few randomized comparisons of cognitive therapy and dynamic therapy for major depressive disorder.
  
  
  METHODS
  We are completing data collection on a randomized non-inferiority trial comparing the effectiveness of cognitive therapy and short-term dynamic psychotherapy in the treatment of major depressive disorder in the community mental health setting. Therapists employed in the community setting have been recruited for training in either short-term dynamic psychotherapy or cognitive therapy. Patients seeking services at the community site who meet criteria for major depressive disorder based on a blind independent diagnostic interview are randomized to 16 sessions of treatment. All patients are assessed at baseline and months 1, 2, 4, and 5 utilizing a comprehensive battery.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  This study adds to the growing literature evaluating the effectiveness of short-term dynamic psychotherapy for specific diagnostic groups. These results will have implications for the dissemination of effective interventions for major depressive disorder in community mental health settings.
  
  
  BACKGROUND
  This trial is registered at ClinicalTrials.gov, a service of the United States National Institute of Health. NIH Identifier: NCT01207271. Registered 21 September 2010.
authors.affiliation: Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3535 Market St (Room 649), Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA.
authors.forename: Mary Beth
authors.initials: MB
authors.lastname: Connolly Gibbons
authors.affiliation: Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3535 Market St (Room 649), Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA.
authors.forename: Rachel
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Mack
authors.affiliation: Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3535 Market St (Room 649), Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA.
authors.forename: Jacqueline
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lee
authors.affiliation: Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3535 Market St (Room 649), Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA.
authors.forename: Robert
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Gallop
authors.affiliation: NHS Human Services, Erdenheim, Pennsylvania USA.
authors.forename: Donald
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Thompson
authors.affiliation: NHS Human Services, Erdenheim, Pennsylvania USA.
authors.forename: Debra
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Burock
authors.affiliation: Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, 3535 Market St (Room 649), Philadelphia, PA 19104 USA.
authors.forename: Paul
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Crits-Christoph
keywords: Cognitive therapy; Community mental health; Dynamic therapy; Non-inferiority trial