Follow up study of dysthymic patients treated with cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT), pharmacotherapy and a combination of both

Pages: 919-924
C. N. Ram Gopal (Consultant Clinical Psychologist, Chennai)

The main objective of the present study was to follow up the 45 dysthymic patients belonging to the 3 groups with 15 in each group namely, Experimental group I = Cognitive Behaviour Therapy Alone, Experimental Group II = C B T + Drug, Control Group = Drug Alone. Experimental Groups received a set of intervention techniques namely, Cognitive & Behavioural techniques which were given as package during the therapeutic sessions, while the Control Group did not receive any such treatment.These patients were followed up after the completion of three months of intervention. The follow-up period ranged from three months to eighteen months. Relapse rate was found to be higher in the Pharmaco Therapy Group than in any of the C B T Groups. Follow-up information obtained through the clinical interview, drop-out analysis and follow-up assessment details of reduction of depressive scores are discussed.