A new study shows that Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) delivered entirely by phone can help depressed patients – with lasting results.
393 mildly depressed patients already on antidepressants received either standard care, or antidepressants plus CBT. Those in the CBT group received 10-12 phone sessions over the course of a year. At the end of the study, the CBT group had improved more than those who received standard care (77% improved compared to 63% in the standard care group) – and the benefits lasted for at least six months after CBT treatment had ended.
“We were surprised at how well the positive effects were maintained over time,” said researcher Everette Ludman, PhD.
This study will be published in Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, Volume 75, Issue 2.