Change in Defense Mechanisms and Depression in a Pilot Study of Antidepressive Medications Plus 20 Sessions of Psychotherapy for Recurrent Major Depression

Treatment studies of major depression commonly focus on symptoms, leaving aside change in putative psychological risk factors. This pilot study examines the relationship between changes in eight depressive defenses and depressive symptoms. Twelve adults with acute recurrent major depression were given antidepressive medications and randomized to 20 sessions of either cognitive behavioral therapy or dynamic psychotherapy and followed for 1 year....