Table 4.

Psychotherapy for Depression.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)	CBT emphasizes the important influence that negative thoughts have on emotion and behavior. For people with MDD, treatment focuses on modifying maladaptive thoughts as well as addressing deficits in behavior (e.g., unassertiveness, isolating oneself from others) that lead to and maintain depression. For example, a depressed patient undergoing CBT might be taught to identify cognitive distortions associated with her or his depression, to challenge those distortions, and to replace them with more realistic thoughts. Because patients with depression often lack motivation, another therapeutic exercise might involve planning a daily schedule of activities in which to engage. Following the schedule may result in decreased boredom and loneliness as well as increased motivation.
Behavioral Therapy (BT)	BT seeks to alter how we feel by changing what we do. Patients with depression often lack motivation, leading them to become less physically active and further worsening their depressive symptoms, creating a worsening cycle of depression and inactivity. A BT intervention might involve planning a daily schedule of activities in which to engage. Following the schedule may result in decreased boredom and loneliness as well as increased motivation.
Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT)	IPT is a structured and time-limited psychotherapy which emphasizes the interpersonal context in which depressive symptoms occur (e.g., social isolation, interpersonal conflicts, role transition, or loss of a loved one). The IPT therapist forms a supportive relationship with the depressed patient, helps the patient to identify interpersonal problems, and uses strategies to help the patient develop and adapt new interpersonal behaviors (e.g., assertive communication, reaching out for social support).