WHAT IS DEPRESSION?
The term depression is used in a variety of ways. One use is to describe a disorder, which may last for weeks, months or even years, in which a person suffers from a number of symptoms such as: • • • • • • • • • • • • • loss of enjoyment sadness irritability hopelessness worthlessness guilt disturbed sleep disturbed appetite weight change loss of energy fatigue indecisiveness recurring thoughts of death or suicide
TREATMENT OF DEPRESSION
There are now a number of well established and effective treatments for depression. These may be grouped under two major headings: • • Psychotherapy (or ‘talking’ therapies) Antidepressants (medication)
The COMET Study: two cognitive therapies for depression
Psychologists, psychiatrists and nurses at the Clinical Research Unit, Department of Psychological Medicine (Christchurch School of Medicine & Health Sciences) are presently involved in a study investigating “Metacognitive Therapy and Cognitive Behaviour Therapy for Depression”. This study offers either Cognitive Behaviour Therapy or Metacognitive Therapy. The therapy a person receives in the study will be determined by randomisation (i.e. toss of a coin). The main aim of this study is to compare the effectiveness of these two different cognitive approaches. We are also examining how biological, clinical and personality factors influence progress in therapy. This study will involve an initial assessment at which time suitability for the study will be determined (alternative options will be discussed if necessary) and detailed information provided. The initial assessment will be followed by research assessments which will involve the collection of saliva, a blood test, questionnaires, an interview, computer tasks and for a proportion of participants, an fMRI imaging scan. This research assessment is followed by 8-15 therapy sessions of about an hour over 12 weeks. Six of these sessions will be scheduled within the first 4 weeks. All therapy will be held at Terrace House between the hours of 8.30 and 5.00. Follow-up of study participants is also planned over the 4 years following therapy. This will involve interviews and questionnaires. It is hoped that this research will enable us to better help people who get depression in the future.
In this study, we are comparing two psychotherapies for depression. Participants will not be on antidepressants.
PSYCHOTHERAPY
A variety of psychotherapies for depression have been developed. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) is the most well evaluated psychotherapy in the treatment of depression. Cognitive Behaviour Therapy focuses on identifying and changing automatic thinking which is maintaining the depression. Metacognitive Therapy focuses on modifying the style of thinking and how people react to their thought processes.
Depressive disorders are relatively common. About one person in ten will suffer from a depressive disorder at some time in their lifetime. Of those who have one episode of depression, over half will have more than one episode. Without any treatment it is possible that a person will make a full recovery, although it is more likely that the depression may persist for months or even longer.
Referrals are welcome for people who: • • • • • • • are currently depressed or experiencing symptoms of depression are physically healthy able to participate in assessments are available to attend sessions as scheduled over 12 weeks are 18 or over are medication free (except oral contraceptives) have not had a recent adequate trial of Cognitive Behaviour Therapy or Metacognitive Therapy are not in other counseling
CHRISTCHURCH HOSPITAL MAP
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UNIVERSITY OF OTAGO, CHRISTCHURCH and CANTERBURY DHB
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The COMET Study:
KEY 1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10. 11. Hagley Hostel Memorial Chapel Parkside West Oncology Food Service/Cafeteria Riverside Parkside East School of Medicine and Health Sciences Pathology/Blood Test Centre The St Andrews Centre Psychological Medicine – Terrace House
For more details, information or to discuss a referral please contact:
Robyn Abbott Clinical Research Unit Department of Psychological Medicine Terrace House 4 Oxford Terrace Christchurch 1 Ph: (03) 372 0400 Fax: (03) 372 0407 e-mail: cru@cdhb.govt.nz This programme is conducted within the Clinical Research Unit (University of Otago and the Canterbury District Health Board). Usual CDHB policies and procedures are followed for confidentiality of clinical information
two cognitive therapies for depression
Funded by grants from the University of Otago Research Grant fund & NZ Lotteries Health
12. Pegasus Arms 13. Boatsheds 14. Christchurch Women’s Hospital
P Parking