Karp And Frank: biological treatment of depression

Question 1

Method

Answer 1

A review article of previous research into the effectiveness of single treatments and combined drug and psychotherapeutic treatments of depressions

Question 2

Participants

Answer 2

Women diagnosed with depression

9 pieces of research 1974-1992

529 women took part in selected studies

Question 3

Design

Answer 3

Depression analysed using variety of depression inventories

All patients tested before actual treatment

Tested after treatment using inventories and in some cases a follow up

Health practitioner were sometimes used to assess patients

Question 4

Results

Answer 4

Most studies adding psychological treatments to drug therapy did not increase effectiveness of drug therapy

Occasionally studies did show that there was less attrition when combination therapies were used (more likely to continue with treatment)

Question 5

Conclusions

Answer 5

Evidence does not show any better outcomes for patients offered combined therapy as opposed to only drug therapy

This shows effectiveness of drug therapy on depression

Question 6

Aim

Answer 6

To compare drug treatment and non-drug treatment for depression

Question 7

Background

Answer 7

Medication used in treating depression either increases levels of neurotransmitters or prevents the uptake of serotonin

3 types: monoamine oxidase inhibitors (inhibit mao)

Tricyclics (enhance action of neurotransmitters)

Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (most common: prevent uptake of serotonin)

Antidepressants vary in their action but all act upon neurological system