CBT Effectiveness and Limitations
CBT targets the root cause of depression rather than just treating symptoms like medication does. Research by March et al. found that CBT alone (81% improvement) was as effective as antidepressants (81%), with combined treatment showing 86% improvement over 36 weeks.
However, relapse rates present a significant challenge. Tali's study of 439 CBT patients found that 42% relapsed within 6 months of treatment ending. This suggests CBT's long-term benefits aren't as strong as initially expected, and treatment may need repeating.
CBT has limitations for severe depression cases. When someone is severely depressed, they may lack the motivation to engage with therapy sessions or complete homework tasks. Some research suggests starting with antidepressants first, then adding CBT later for better outcomes.
Key Point: CBT works brilliantly for many people, but it's not a one-size-fits-all solution - combining different treatments often gives the best results.