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. METHOD: 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.
RCT Entities:
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. METHOD: 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.
Authors: Carlos M Grilo; Robert L Stout; John C Markowitz; Charles A Sanislow; Emily B Ansell; Andrew E Skodol; Donna S Bender; Anthony Pinto; M Tracie Shea; Shirley Yen; John G Gunderson; Leslie C Morey; Christopher J Hopwood; Thomas H McGlashan Journal: J Clin Psychiatry Date: 2010-06-15 Impact factor: 4.384