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September 11, 2004
Consumer Reports Surveys Therapy for Depression
A Consumer Reports (October 2004) survey of 3079 readers who received treatment for depression found that a combination of drugs and talk therapy was the most effective treatment if the talk therapy continued for more than 13 visits. “Mostly talk” therapy was almost as effective as the combination. Drugs had a much higher rate of side effects than reported in package inserts, especially sexual impairment and weight gain. Treatment by primary care physicians appeared to be effective only with mild depressions; more severe depressions are better treated by mental health professionals. Overall, 80 percent of patients who sought care were helped.
The survey found that all antidepression medications were in general effective, but individual patients very often had to try a number of drugs before finding the one that works for them.
Insurance coverage for mental illness continues to decline, sometimes resulting in premature patient drop out.
Related Links:
Drugs vs Talk Therapy: CR Investigates, October 2004, Consumer Reports (Subscription required)
Posted by admin at September 11, 2004 11:06 AM