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Antidepressants versus psychotherapy

Francis J Dunne   (11 March 2008)

Antidepressants versus psychotherapy 11 March 2008
Francis J Dunne, Consultant Psychiatrist Brentwood Essex CM14 5HQ Send response to journal: Re: Antidepressants versus psychotherapy	Perhaps it is now time to assess the efficacy of psychotherapy? The problem is there are over 250 types of 'therapy' and the psychotherapy industry is flourishing. It would be interesting to carry out a meta- analysis of 47 or so trials (including unpublished data)in say, cognitive therapy outcome. The results might help explain why patients are still attending my outpatient clinic despite having undergone their required number of sessions. Unfortunately, when patients do not get better the advice given is that they may need 'booster sessions', and so the illusion is propagated. Competing interests: None declared