Short course
4.9
Managing depression
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© 1998 MJA
| Effective psychological treatments
| Non-specific psychological treatments that can readily be applied in general practice |
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- support, understanding, encouragement and explanation
- meeting with other members of the family, or friends
- advising environmental change
- recommending self-help groups
- contacting governmental and other agencies (e.g., housing departments) on behalf of the patient
- helping the patient with problem solving
- discussing chronic social difficulties with the patient.
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| Specialised psychological treatments that may require referral to a psychiatrist or clinical psychologist: |
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- Cognitive-behavioural therapy
The principle of cognitive-behavioural therapy is that irrational beliefs and distorted attitudes towards the self, the environment and the future perpetuate depressed mood. Treatment aims to help patients become aware of these beliefs, and so become more able to realistically appraise themselves and their life experiences.
- Interpersonal therapy
Interpersonal therapy seeks to identify interpersonal losses, role disputes and transitions, social isolation, or deficits in social skills that may lead to depression. It works on the principle that losses must be mourned, role disputes and transitions must be recognised and resolved, and that deficits in social skills must be overcome to permit the acquisition of social supports.
- Problem solving
The principle underlying problem solving is that depression is caused by problems in life circumstances, and that if problems are dealt with symptoms may improve. Problems are identified, listed and dealt with one-by-one.
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