Final answer:
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is just as effective as drugs in treating depression, supported by research comparing the two treatment methods. CBT aims to alter negative thought patterns and behaviors, and there are multiple treatments for depression such as psychotherapy, antidepressants, and electroconvulsive therapy.
Step-by-step explanation:
When comparing treatments for depression, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is just as effective as drugs. This is supported by evidence from research, including a study by DeRubeis et al. (2005), which compared the effectiveness of CBT to medications in treating moderate to severe depression. Their findings suggested that cognitive therapy provided an effect comparable to that of pharmacotherapy.
CBT is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to depression. It is one among several treatments for depression, which also include electroconvulsive therapy, deep-brain stimulation, and various prescription medications such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAO inhibitors) and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These diverse treatments target different mechanisms, with antidepressant medications working to increase neurotransmitter levels in the synaptic cleft, thereby improving mood and alleviating depression symptoms.
Additionally, Beck's pioneering work in the development of cognitive therapy outlines the cognitive model of depression and supports the efficacy of CBT in treating depressive disorders, contrary to the notion that CBT is better suited for other types of psychological disorders.