Cognitive Therapy and Pharmacotherapy for Depression. Singly and in Combination

Cognitive therapy & pharmacotherapy, each singly & in combination, were compared in the treatment of nonpsychotic, nonbipolar depressed outpatients. 66% of patients reported suicidal ideation at intake. 39% had attempted suicide during their lifetime. 2 patients died as a consequence of suicide attempts, both of which involved study medication. Combining cognitive therapy with pharmacotherapy did not markedly improve response over that observed for either modality alone. (30 refs.)