Comparative Analysis of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Pharmacotherapy in Major Depressive Disorder

Abstract

Background:Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a prevalent psychiatric condition characterized by persistent sadness, loss of interest, and functional impairment. Both Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and pharmacotherapy are established treatments, yet comparative data regarding their clinical efficacy and patient response remain limited, necessitating further exploration in clinical populations.

Objectives: to compare the effectiveness of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and pharmacotherapy in reducing depressive symptoms and improving overall quality of life among patients diagnosed with Major Depressive Disorder.

Study design: A Comparative Cross-sectional Study

Place and duration of the study: This study was conducted at Department of Medicine Lady Reading Hospital Peshawar from January 2020-january 2021.

Methods: A total of 120 patients diagnosed with MDD, aged 18–60 years, were randomly assigned to two groups: Group A (CBT) and Group B (pharmacotherapy). Treatment duration was 12 weeks. Depression severity was assessed using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) pre- and post-treatment. Data were analyzed using SPSS version 24.0, applying t-tests and chi-square tests.

Results:The mean age of participants was 32.5 ± 8.4 years. Both groups showed a significant reduction in HDRS scores (p<0.001). The CBT group exhibited a mean score reduction of 14.3 ± 3.5, while the pharmacotherapy group showed 12.6 ± 4.1. The difference between the two treatments was statistically significant (p=0.02), indicating superior outcomes for CBT in symptom reduction and patient satisfaction.

Conclusion: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy demonstrated greater efficacy in reducing depressive symptoms and improving patient well-being compared to pharmacotherapy alone. Integrating CBT into treatment plans for Major Depressive Disorder can enhance recovery outcomes and reduce relapse rates in long-term management.