Evidence-based psychotherapies for depression.

OBJECTIVE

This article briefly reviews the advantages and limitations of empirically validated psychotherapies for depression, which constitute important alternatives to somatic antidepressant treatments.

METHODS

Medical literature review.

RESULTS

The author describes the theories and techniques underlying cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), interpersonal psychotherapy (IPT), behavioral therapy, and other therapies, as well as their use in individual, group, and alternative formats.

CONCLUSION

The author argues that psychotherapies have been underused as antidepressant treatments relative to pharmacotherapies.