Relapse Prevention for Recurrent Major Depression: CBT or Psychoeducation?

Patients with recurrent episodes of major depression risk additional relapses, with the risk increasing with the number of episodes. Relapse prevention strategies have involved both medication and psychotherapy, notably cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). This multisite, 8-month, controlled study of CBT in Germany involved 180 clinically stable, not currently depressed patients who had at least three prior episodes of major depression.

Participants were randomized to 16 sessions of manual-based CBT or manual-based psychoeducation. Session length was typical for each intervention (CBT, 50 minutes; psychoeducation, 20 minutes). Psychoeducation included information, supportive listening, and active advice, but explicitly excluded CBT techniques…