Combination Treatment for Long-Term Recovery from Depression?

In a multicenter study, researchers examined whether, in the long run, antidepressants work better alone or combined with psychotherapy. The participants, 452 adults (mean age, 43) with nonpsychotic, unipolar depression (mean Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression [HRSD] score, 22), were randomized to algorithm-driven, manufacturer-provided antidepressants alone or with cognitive therapy (CT). Psychiatrists or nurse practitioners managed medications, and therapists determined CT frequency.

Depression remission (full, HRSD, ≤8 for 4 weeks; partial, HRSD, ≤12 after 1 year) was achieved by 187 of 227 combined-treatment recipients and 170 of 225 monotherapy recipients, who then entered the continuation phase (total duration, ≤42 months).

Although r…