A recent study published in the American Journal of Psychiatry and covered in the PsychCentral Newsroom explored monthly therapy as a way to maintain depression remission. Essentially, the researchers used a style of interpersonal therapy (focus on relationships) in monthly sessions with women who struggled with chronic depression. Results showed that people receiving the therapy were significantly less likely to relapse. The authors concluded that maintenance therapy sessions can be used particularly for people that do not want to take psychiatric medications for an extended period of time.

“…many people, especially women of childbearing age or those taking medications for other conditions, may not feel comfortable taking antidepressants for long periods of time,” said Ellen Frank, Ph.D., professor of psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine.

“We found that interpersonal psychotherapy is a valid alternative to help women with recurrent depression remain symptom-free, especially women who were able to recover from a depressive episode using therapy alone.”

I think this study highlights something very important, especially for people who have had recurrent episodes of depression: some form of treatment may always have to be in your life to stay healthy. Once a month therapy sessions seem like a fantastic way to stay at an optimal level of health, and it also looks to be a helpful alternative to extended medication use.

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    Last reviewed: By John M. Grohol, Psy.D. on 6 May 2007
    Published on PsychCentral.com. All rights reserved.