Psychotherapy does things that medication cannot, such as addressing personality traits, a major source of depression. The link between personality traits and the first lifetime onset of clinically significant depression has been extensively studied. One of the areas where psychotherapy can help is by addressing these traits.

A 2006 study questioned whether personality and neuroticism were predictors for becoming depressed. According to the investigators, "Personality, neuroticism in particular, was a consistent and important predictor of the onset of depressive symptoms in late life, even more important than health-related and situational factors, and aging did not affect the strength of this association." Neuroticism is defined as an enduring tendency to experience negative emotional states.

A study at the Vrije Universiteit in Amsterdam revealed that personality characteristics such as mastery, self-efficacy, and neuroticism predict the likelihood of recovery of depression. Researchers at the University of Rochester Medical Center followed a group of 55-year-olds for 15 years and concluded that neuroticism markedly increased the risk for a first lifetime episode of clinically significant depression.

Neuroticism has a direct effect on psychological distress, contributing to a variety of psychiatric conditions. Psychotherapy has been consistently more effective than medication in treating neuroticism. A variety of psychotherapeutic approaches are effective in treating neuroticism and other personality traits, including Psychodynamic, Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), and Interpersonal Therapy. In addition, complementary and alternative therapies can be quite useful.

Psychotherapeutic Methods for Anxiety

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Cognitive Behavior Therapy - or Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) - has a long history of efficacy in treating depressive disorders. A meta analysis of four studies of severely depressed patients comparing the effects of CBT with the effects of antidepressant drugs noted that CBT was at least as effective as drug therapy. CBT is based on modifying cognitions, assumptions, beliefs and behaviors, with the aim of influencing disturbed emotions.

Interpersonal Therapy. In addition to CBT, other approaches to psychotherapy, such as interpersonal therapy, have been equally effective in treating depression. Interpersonal therapy focuses on the behaviors and interactions a depressed patient has with family and friends. The primary goal of this therapy is to improve communication skills and increase self-esteem during a short period of time. It usually lasts three to four months and works well for depression caused by loss and grief, relationship conflicts, major life events, social isolation, or role transitions.

Psychodynamic Therapy. Psychodynamic therapy is based on the assumption that a person is depressed because of unresolved, generally unconscious conflicts, often stemming from childhood. The goal of this type of therapy is for the patient to understand and cope better with these feelings by talking about the experiences. Psychodynamic therapy is administered over a period of weeks to months to years.

Psychotherapeutic treatment for depression is determined by the severity and type of depression. For mild to moderate depression, psychotherapy is the preferred method of treatment. For severe depression, psychotherapy is used in conjunction with specific medications. Most cases of depression are treated on an outpatient basis. However, major depressive disorder sometimes requires hospitalization. After talking with the patient about their depression, the therapist will decide which approach to use based on the suspected underlying factors contributing to the depression.

Complementary and Alternative Therapies for Anxiety

Natural medicine and complementary and alternative therapies, such as herbs, diet, and other non-invasive therapies, is particularly appropriate in treating the underlying causes and symptoms associated with anxiety. They can be particularly helpful for people who want to avoid taking medication or want to deal with the side effects of medication.

Because I have a Ph.D. in Psychology and a Doctorate in Naturopathy, I can help you to determine what combination of methods will be best to alleviate your depression. To learn more about my holistic approach to healing, visit my website at DrRandiFredricks.com.


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