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| POSTED 6/24/2005 |
Talk Therapy for Depression |
Talk therapy fared as well as antidepressants in treating moderate to severely depressed patients, according to a recent University of Pennsylvania study. In a study of 240 patients, the researchers found that cognitive therapy, a type of treatment that coaches patients to think more realistically and to solve problems in steps, worked as well as Paxil® (paroxetine), a leading antidepressant for moderate to severe clinical depression.
The findings are significant because depression has been linked to infertility and to the outcome of IVF. (For more on this topic, click on “archives” and type in depression and cognitive therapy.)
“Helping couples cope with the stress and uncertainty of infertility is an integral part of the DVIF&G treatment program. As director of the practice’s Medical and Behavioral Therapy program, I help couples expand their capacity to cope with life stressors and to reduce levels of depression and anxiety,” says Debra Ettingers, Ph.D., director of Medical and Behavioral Therapy for DVIF&G. “I work with patients to create hope and motivation by teaching them certain therapeutic techniques and by giving them positive feedback. I also try to give patients the tools they need to make positive lifestyle changes. One technique that can be especially helpful is cognitive restructuring, which basically involves retraining patients to see the glass as half full instead of half empty. I also concentrate on helping people take time for little joys every day, such as meditation and yoga.”
To make an appointment with Dr. Ettinger, please call (856) 988-0072.
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