Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Medication, or both?
This article will help you evaluate the factors to consider when deciding which form of treatment is right for you.
CBT
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a type of psychotherapy in which you learn skills for managing depression and anxiety. Because you develop new skills, CBT may take 4-6 sessions before you begin to notice changes and between 10-12 sessions before you experience significant improvement.
Of course, therapy requires a time commitment both in attending sessions and practicing skills outside of sessions. Also, you will need to address your emotions, talk openly about your problems, and deal with aspects that you may try to avoid.
Medication
Pharmacotherapy pertains to medications that treat mental health problems. 1 in 6 Americans take medicine for depression or anxiety. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), benzodiazepines, and tricyclic antidepressants are the common classes of medication for treating depression and anxiety.
The benefits of psychiatric medications include a relatively short response time for improvement, typically seen in 2-4 weeks of beginning treatment.
However, medications often produce side effects and require adjustments in the dose to achieve a therapeutic response. Furthermore, after a successful course of treatment, it may be necessary to gradually reduce your dose in order to minimize side effects when discontinuing medicine.
How do they compare?
CBT is as effective as medications for reducing depression; whereas CBT is more effective than medications alone for reducing anxiety.
In treating depression, the combination of medications and CBT appears to be more effective than either treatment alone. In treating anxiety, CBT is superior to medications. Interestingly, adding medication to CBT does not improve outcomes in the treatment of anxiety.
While medication or CBT can be helpful, CBT has been found to result in long-term improvements. The skills you learn in CBT will stay with you! Medication, on the other hand, only works as long as you are taking it. And even then, adjustments in the dose or type of medication may be necessary over time.
How to decide?
If your symptoms are chronic or intense, you may want to consider medication. This is especially important if you are experiencing severe depression or having suicidal thoughts. However, if you want to experience lasting improvement, then CBT is essential. A combined approach involving both CBT and medications may be best for you. Talk with a doctor and/or mental health provider to weigh your options.
If you would like to learn more or schedule a free phone consultation, please contact Dr. Combs-Lane.
*The information and resources contained on this website are for informational purposes only and are not intended to assess, diagnose, or treat any medical and/or mental health disease or condition. The use of this website does not imply nor establish any type of therapist-client relationship. Furthermore, the information obtained from this site should not be considered a substitute for a thorough medical and/or mental health evaluation by an appropriately credentialed and licensed professional.*
