Author

Jacy Stone

Date of Award

1-2014

Document Type

Independent Study

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Abstract

Treatment choices for major depressive disorder include: antidepressant medication, psychotherapy, somatic therapy (treating the symptoms), and any combination of those. Antidepressants are commonly prescribed to treat major depressive disorder in the primary care setting. Cognitive behavioral therapy is a form of psychotherapy used to treat major depressive disorder that has been shown to have a similar effectiveness in the treatment of depression. The purpose of this paper is to explore whether treatment with medication, cognitive behavioral therapy, or the combination is most effective in treating patients with major depressive disorder. The literature review includes 11 journal articles published within the last ten years relating to the subject. Of those articles one is a systematic review ofliterature and another is a synthesis across four studies. Conclusions drawn from the review of literature include: Cognitive behavioral therapy and antidepressants are equally effective and combing treatment may offer additional benefits

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