Cognitive Therapy for Depression: A Review of Its Efficacy

The empirical status of cognitive therapy for depression, based on Aaron T. Beck's model, is reviewed. Available evidence suggests that cognitive therapy is at least as effective in the short run as other psychotherapies, as well as pharmacotherapy. Patients in cognitive therapy experience a large reduction in depressive symptoms and a substantial portion meet recovery criteria at the end of a 12- or 16-week acute treatment period. Moreover, there is evidence that cognitive therapy produces a prophylactic effect. Thus, we conclude that cognitive therapy works well and should be strongly considered as a first-line treatment for depressed people.