Cognitive Therapy and Cognitive-Behavior Therapy are the most common psychotherapies for depression and are the most soundly supported by scientific research.

Without focusing predominantly on the past, cognitive therapies attempt to change attitude and behavior – negative thought patterns, negative habits, or negative relationships – by helping the depressed client practice new ways of thinking and behaving. Couples therapy may be added as indicated, along with assertiveness skills, exercise, dietary intervention, or even a change in depression-causing medications such as those prescribed to control blood pressure.

The most common medical treatment for depression involves the prescription of antidepressant medication. Prozac, Zoloft, Luvox and related drugs increase the amount of the neurotransmitter serotonin available to the brain. Older antidepressants such as Imipramine increase norepinephrine, and still others such as Wellbutrin increase both of these neurotransmitters.

Antidepressants tend to work quickly, 2 – 4 weeks on average, which is a big advantage; however, several different drugs may have to be prescribed before the right one is found. Antidepressants may have side effects which make them difficult to tolerate for some people. It is also important that patients on antidepressant medication stay on it for a long period of time; typically, a minimum of a year to prevent relapse.

The cognitive therapies tend to take longer than antidepressants to work; however, they have no side effects and their positive effects tend to remain stable over long periods of time. It is for this reason that some practitioners recommend cognitive therapy and medication together.