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The case for CBT over antidepressants

P Jane Wilson
Med J Aust 2014; 200 (8): . || doi: 10.5694/mja13.10716
Published online: 5 May 2014

To the Editor: In her book review,1 Wilhelm fails to comment on the central theme of Paul Biegler's The ethical treatment of depression: autonomy through psychotherapy.2 Biegler argues that clinicians have a moral duty to promote psychological therapies (including cognitive behaviour therapy) to individuals with uncomplicated depression, over and above antidepressant medications (ADMs). He reasons that patient autonomy and empowerment — surely central concerns for every physician — are most likely achieved with talking therapies, rather than drug treatment.


  • Launceston, TAS.



Competing interests:

I am a member of the planning group of Healthy Skepticism, an international non-profit organisation whose main aim is to improve health by reducing harm from misleading drug promotion.

  • 1. Wilhelm KA. The case for CBT over antidepressants [book review]. Med J Aust 2013; 198: 507. <MJA full text>
  • 2. Biegler P. The ethical treatment of depression: autonomy through psychotherapy. Cambridge, Mass: The MIT Press, 2011.

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