2. NIMH Research According to Glick(2004), the National Institute of Mental Health found that individuals being treated for depression showed the most progress when psychotherapy, and psychotropic medications were integrated to treat the disorder. When the two treatments were combined only 15% relapsed compared to 85% when medication was used alone, and 81% when psychotherapy was the only treatment.
3. Medication and Phobias According to Beitman (1996), the integration of psychotherapy and psychopharmacology has been proven to be quite effective in the treatment of anxiety disorders such as extreme phobias.
4. Treating Severe Depression According to de Maat, Dekker, Schoevers, R van Aalst,Gijsbers-van Wijk, Hendriksen, & de Jonghe (2008), their research supports the integration of medication and psychotherapy in the treatment of clients suffering from severe depression. The efficacy of combined treatment was shown to be much higher than the use of psychotherapy or medication alone.
5. Treating a Challenging Client According to Segal, Kennedy, & Cohen (2001) there are several factors that should be considered when deciding what approach should be taken in regards to treatment. These factors include: severity and chronicity of depressive episodes, response to past treatments, side effects of medications, and availability for psychotherapy.
6. Factors to Consider When Considering Treatment Approaches According to Sperry, Griffith, & Powers (2006),it is important to consider biopsychosocial factors such as attachment style, and social functioning when deciding if an integrative therapeutic approach is best.
7. Overview After reviewing the information collected from these studies. The data seems to clearly show that in cases of individuals suffering from severe mental illness taking an integrative approach including psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral, and psychotropic medications is the most effective means of treatment.
8. References: Beitman, B. D. (1996). Integrating pharmacotherapy and psychotherapy: An emerging field of study . Bulletin of the Menninger Clinic, 60(2), 160-173. Retrieved from EBSCOhost. de Maat, S., Dekker, J., Schoevers, R., van Aalst, G., Gijsbers-van Wijk, C., Hendriksen, M., & ... de Jonghe, F. (2008). Short Psychodynamic Supportive Psychotherapy, antidepressants, and their combination in the treatment of major depression: a mega-analysis based on three Randomized Clinical Trials. Depression & Anxiety
9. Glick, I. D. (2004). Adding Psychotherapy to Pharmacotherapy: Data, Benefits, and Guidelines for Integration. American Journal of Psychotherapy, 58(2), 186-208. Retrieved from EBSCOhost. Sperry, L., Griffith, J., & Powers, R. L. (2006). Psychotherapy and Medication: Mind-Brain Strategies for Optimizing Treatment with Difficult Clients. Journal of Individual Psychology, 62(1), 70-79. Retrieved from EBSCOhost.
Editor's Notes
This research supports the argument that treating both the psychosocial and biological components of a disorder may be the most effective means of treating axis 1 disorders such as depression and anxiety. These disorders are quite common, and the statistics show that without the integration of these two treatment options clients are at a high risk for relapse in the future.
Individuals suffering from severe agoraphobia, fear of public places, in particular have shown to make extensive gains in treatment when medication and therapy are combined.
Despite the evidence found in this study to support the integrating of pharmacology and psychotherapy. Individuals involved in the study did report that they favored the psychodynamic approach over the use of medication alone. Reasons for this included an increase in quality of life derived from a supportive base provided through psychotherapy.
Considering all of these factors are very important when deciding whether or not it is even possible to consider an integrative strategy with a client suffering from an axis disorder such as depression. Being aware of these types of factors are so important in developing an efficacious treatment plan.
This article went on to note that considering the mental heath history of the client, and their severity is important in deciding if medication and therapy is needed. With a client who is suffering from mild acute depression. Psychotherapy may be all that is necessary. However with a more challenging case with an individual suffering from co morbid disorders, severe trauma, major depressive disorder, and dysthimia. Integrating approaches maybe the only means to make sound and concrete progress.
The data strongly suggests that in cases of individuals suffering from severe axis 1 disorders such as major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, and other mood disorders treatment involving both psychotropic medications and psychotherapy showed the most positive response, and had the lowest numbers for relapse.
