Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Depression

There are now a large number of controlled trails demonstrating the effectiveness of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy as a treatment for depression.

While antidepressant medication is often used to treat depression, Cognitive Behaviour Therapy has the advantage that the effects continue for longer after treatment finishes, because in Cognitive Behaviour Therapy the person with depression learns skills to cope with their depression themselves. They are able to keep using these skills whenever they experience depressive symptoms. For this reason, people who are treated with Cognitive Behaviour Therapy or Cognitive Behaviour Therapy plus medication appear to have a lower risk of relapsing than those who receive medication alone as a treatment.

Many people receive a combination of antidepressant medication and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, so they can experience the benefits of both treatments.

Depression can be different in different people so it is important that you seek advice from a GP or Mental Health Professional for the most appropriate treatment for your situation.

A GP or psychiatrist can offer advice on whether medication treatment is appropriate for your situation.

Further information go to BeyondBlue.org.au

IF YOU REQUIRE IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE CALL LIFELINE on 13 11 14.