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Journal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings

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01-09-2010

Bibliotherapy as a Treatment for Depression in Primary Care

Authors: Elizabeth V. Naylor, David O. Antonuccio, Mark Litt, Gary E. Johnson, Daniel R. Spogen, Richard Williams, Catherine McCarthy, Marcia M. Lu, David C. Fiore, Dianne L. Higgins

Published in: Journal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings | Issue 3/2010

Abstract

This study was designed to determine whether a physician-delivered bibliotherapy prescription would compare favorably with the prevailing usual care treatment for depression in primary care (that often involves medication) and potentially offer an alternative. Six family physicians were trained to write and deliver prescriptions for cognitive-behavioral bibliotherapy. Thirty-eight patients were randomly assigned to receive either usual care or a behavioral prescription to read the self-help book, Feeling Good (Burns, D. D. (1999). Feeling good: The new mood therapy. New York: HarperCollins). The treatment groups did not differ in terms of overall outcome variables. Patients in both treatment groups reported statistically significant decreases in depression symptoms, decreases in dysfunctional attitudes, and increases in quality of life. Although not statistically significant, the mean net medical expenses in the behavioral prescription group were substantially less. This study provided empirical evidence that a behavioral prescription for Feeling Good may be as effective as standard care, which commonly involves an antidepressant prescription.

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Title: Bibliotherapy as a Treatment for Depression in Primary Care
Authors: Elizabeth V. Naylor
David O. Antonuccio
Mark Litt
Gary E. Johnson
Daniel R. Spogen
Richard Williams
Catherine McCarthy
Marcia M. Lu
David C. Fiore
Dianne L. Higgins
Publication date: 01-09-2010
Publisher: Springer US
Published in: Journal of Clinical Psychology in Medical Settings / Issue 3/2010
Print ISSN: 1068-9583
Electronic ISSN: 1573-3572
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10880-010-9207-2

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

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Bibliotherapy as a Treatment for Depression in Primary Care

Abstract

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

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Abstract

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