Comparative efficacy of cognitive behavior therapy and interpersonal therapy in the treatment of depression: A randomized controlled study

Abstract

Background: Depressive disorders are one of the most common psychiatric disorders that occur in people of all ages. Aim: To assess the efficacy of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) and interpersonal therapy (IPT) in cases of depression. Materials and Methods: The sample for the study comprised 52 diagnosed cases of major depressive disorder (MDD) based on the 10th revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD-10) criteria in the age range of 21 to 50 years. They were randomized with the help of the app and assigned to CBT and IPT groups. Two patients had dropped out of the CBT group. Hence, finally, 50 cases were taken for study. A total of 12 therapy sessions were given. All patients were given standard treatment as prescribed. Results: Findings of paired samples t-test to assess the within-group differences in both the groups (CBT and IPT) as well as gains score statistics or difference score statistics (pre-test minus post-test) were applied to compare group differences. Results of paired samples ‘t’ test suggest that there was a statistically significant difference in the scores of both the groups from pre-test to post-test. IPT group had shown significantly better outcomes as quantified by the percentage of patients scoring less on the outcome variable of the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Montgomery–Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), Hopelessness Scale, and General Health Questionnaire (GHQ). Conclusion: Both CBT and IPT are efficacious in the treatment of MDD. IPT yielded better results on MADRS as compared to CBT on parameters of outcome in the present study. The findings indicate that interventions were effective in reducing the symptoms of depression.